East Germany's First Free Parliament: A Look Back 35 Years Later
Thirty-five years ago, on March 18, 1990, East Germany held its first free and democratic parliamentary elections, a pivotal moment that irrevocably altered the course of German and European history. These elections marked the beginning of the end for the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and paved the way for reunification with West Germany, an event that reshaped the political landscape of the continent.
The Road to the Volkskammer
For over four decades, East Germany existed as a communist state, firmly within the Soviet sphere of influence. The Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) held absolute power, suppressing dissent and controlling all aspects of life. However, the late 1980s witnessed a growing wave of discontent across Eastern Europe, fueled by economic stagnation, political repression, and the winds of change blowing from Moscow under Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership.
The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 unleashed a torrent of pent-up desires for freedom and democracy in East Germany. The SED's grip on power weakened, and opposition groups emerged, demanding free and fair elections. The "Peaceful Revolution," as it became known, forced the SED to relinquish its monopoly on power and agree to democratic reforms.
The March 18th Election
The election to the Volkskammer (People's Chamber), East Germany's parliament, was a watershed event. For the first time since 1932, East Germans had the opportunity to choose their representatives in a free and fair election. The campaign was intense, with newly formed political organizations vying for the support of a population eager for change.
Several factors influenced the outcome of the election. Newly founded political organizations close to the traditional West German parties, the SPD, CDU and FDP, had an advantage in the election campaign. The West gave them organizational and financial support and sent helpers. The Alliance for Germany, a coalition led by the East German branch of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), campaigned on a platform of rapid reunification with West Germany, promising citizens that "no one will be worse off" if they reunified with the Federal Republic of Germany. This message resonated with many East Germans who saw reunification as the best path to economic prosperity and political freedom.
Voter turnout was remarkably high, with over 93% of eligible voters casting their ballots. The result was a resounding victory for the Alliance for Germany, which secured 48% of the vote and a majority of seats in the Volkskammer. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) finished second with 21.9% of the vote, while the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS), the successor to the SED, received 16.4%.
The De Maizière Government
The election results led to the formation of a new government led by Lothar de Maizière, the leader of the East German CDU. De Maizière's government faced the daunting task of managing the transition from a communist state to a market economy and preparing for reunification with West Germany.
The new government was formed on April 12, 1990, from a grand coalition of Alliance for Germany, SPD and Liberals. The chairman of the East German CDU, Lothar de Maizière became prime minister.
One of the key decisions made by the de Maizière government was to adopt the West German Deutschmark as East Germany's currency. This move, which took place on July 1, 1990, provided immediate economic relief to East Germans but also exposed the weaknesses of the East German economy.
The Path to Reunification
The freely elected Volkskammer played a crucial role in paving the way for German reunification. On August 23, 1990, the Volkskammer voted overwhelmingly in favor of East Germany acceding to the Federal Republic of Germany. This decision was based on Article 23 of the West German Basic Law, which allowed for the accession of new states.
Negotiations between East and West Germany, as well as the four Allied powers (the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, and France), led to the signing of the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany, also known as the "Two Plus Four Agreement." This treaty granted full sovereignty to a unified Germany and paved the way for reunification on October 3, 1990.
Legacy and Reflections
The events of 1990 had a profound impact on Germany and Europe. The reunification of Germany brought an end to the Cold War division of the continent and ushered in a new era of peace and cooperation.
However, the transition from communism to capitalism was not without its challenges. East Germany faced significant economic and social problems in the years following reunification, including high unemployment, deindustrialization, and social dislocation. While significant progress has been made, disparities between East and West Germany persist to this day.
Thirty-five years after East Germany's first free elections, it is important to remember the courage and determination of the East German people who fought for freedom and democracy. Their actions not only transformed their own country but also contributed to the reshaping of Europe. The legacy of March 18, 1990, serves as a reminder of the importance of democratic values and the power of peaceful revolution.
