On March 18, 1990, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) emerged as the strongest party after elections to the East German parliament, marking a significant turning point in modern German history and paving the way for the reunification of East and West Germany.
On March 18, 1990, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) emerged as the strongest party after elections to the East German parliament, the People’s Chamber. This marked a significant turning point in modern German history, as it led to the reunification of East and West Germany.
A New Era of Cooperation
The CDU laid claim to the offices of prime minister and parliamentary president, with Sabine Bergmann-Pohl becoming both the head of the government and the president of the People’s Chamber. Until this time, Bergmann-Pohl had worked as a lung disease specialist in East Berlin and was a member of the East German CDU since 1981.
Sabine Bergmann-Pohl was born on October 20, 1946, in Berlin, Germany.
She studied history at the Humboldt University of Berlin, where she earned her Ph.D. in 1978.
Bergmann-Pohl's academic background is significant as it laid the foundation for her future role in East German politics.
The election campaign in the GDR had been dominated by a single theme: reunification with the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). The center-left Social Democrats (SPD) and their leader Willy Brandt had misinterpreted the mood and expected the process of consolidation to take much longer. However, the majority of East German parliamentarians now began working towards implementing what most citizens of the GDR expected: reunification with West Germany.
A Coalition Government
The election outcome made a coalition between the conservative CDU and the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) necessary. Prime Minister Lothar de Maiziere also incorporated the second most powerful party, the Social Democrats, into the government. This was a big task, but one that required cooperation among all parties.
A Chaotic but Conscientious Parliament
The proceedings of the first democratically elected People’s Chamber were often chaotic. With almost two-thirds of the representatives having no parliamentary experience, it was a spontaneous parliament with constantly changing rules of procedure. Despite this, the parliamentarians worked hard and made decisions on weighty matters.
Sports Stars and Their Successes
Many East German athletes achieved great success in their respective sports before reunification. From figure skater Katarina Witt to swimmer Franziska van Almsick, basketball player Matthias Sammer to discus thrower Jürgen Schult, these athletes became international stars. They paved the way for a new generation of German sportsmen and women.
East German athletes dominated international competitions in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in swimming, gymnastics, and track and field.
Their success was due in part to a rigorous training system and cutting-edge sports science research.
However, it was later revealed that many East German 'athletes were subjected to secret doping programs' , including the use of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing substances.
This scandal led to widespread condemnation and reform efforts in international sports.
Biathlon Heroes
Four former East German athletes – Frank Luck, Mark Kirchner, Sven Fischer, and Ricco Gross – formed the core of Germany’s combined biathlon relay team that won gold at the 1992, 1994, and 1998 Winter Olympics. They also won various world championships individually and as a group.
A Record-Breaking Canoeist
Birgit Fischer-Schmidt took part in six summer Olympics from 1980 to 2004 and picked up at least one gold medal in every games she attended. She is now Germany’s most successful Olympian.
A Prime Minister’s Vision
Prime Minister Lothar de Maiziere devoted himself to the cause of reunification, speaking of incorporating East Germans’ ‘sense of social justice, solidarity, and tolerance’ into the process of consolidation. Although his words met with little response in the FRG, they laid the groundwork for a united Germany.
A New Era Begins
The work of the first freely-elected People’s Chamber ended on October 3, 1990, the day East and West Germany were reunited. The parliamentarians had fulfilled the wishes of the GDR’s citizens, paving the way for the call ‘We are one people!‘ to become reality.
Reunification refers to the process of bringing together two or more separate entities, such as countries, states, or communities, that were previously divided.
This can occur through various means, including diplomatic agreements, military actions, or peaceful protests.
Historical examples of reunification include the German reunification in 1990 and the reunification of North and South Korea in 2018.
Reunification efforts aim to restore unity, promote economic cooperation, and improve living standards for affected populations.
