Striding Towards the New Era: Reflections on the First GDR People's Chamber Election
- Penned by Martin Debes
- ~ - 4 Min
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I could, of course, divulge my experience of sitting high up in the Reichstag building, amidst the panoramic glass dome soaked in the warmth of spring sunlight, witnessing the former 20th German Bundestag members trotting off to their designated groups for vote preparations on March 18, 2025, over an ambitious billion-euro debt package. Yet, it seems more fitting to recollect the occurrences of a different March 18 - that of 1990. It was a day touched with an invigorating sense of hope and change.
That was the day of my parliamentary election debut. It was a serendipitous combination of principle and festivity for the GDR and me as we embarked on our collective path together. The polling station was nestled in the same quaint village school where I had once been a student and would soon close its doors for good. Few could foresee the transformation that was imminent.
No shame in admitting that I set my vote for the resilient Alliance 90 – the amalgamation of civil rights advocates who had led the round tables discussions a mere few weeks prior, as well as those who dared to storm and occupy Stasi headquarters. Regrettably, despite my vote, the alliance shrank into an insignificant splinter party. A shame indeed, considering their central role in spearheading the revolution.
Other contenders included the reformed SPD, which sadly fell short of predictions in the voting, surrendering the victory to the revitalized CDU. This political powerhouse had functioned as the SED's tool within the National Front until the autumn of 1989. Partnering with the newly formed DSU, the CDU adopted a more right-leaning approach akin to the Bavarian CSU and embraced the anti-communist coalition "Democratic Awakening".
The alliance enticed the masses with promises of freedom, security, prosperity, unity, and, of course, the revered D-Mark, all to be swiftly achieved. But a word of caution – many of the candidates were former members of the block parties, some even suspected of having ties with the Stasi. Not to mention, the election campaign boasted Western funding and control, yet few seemed to mind.
Yearn no more for the past, for the days when the East gleamed under the reign of Marxism-Leninism are gone. Now, based on a recent perspective, it's evident that East Germans, much like in 1990, cast their votes primarily for those who promised Western values and prosperity without a hitch. Unsurprisingly, the "Close East" has remained predominantly black in subsequent state and federal elections, even witnessing the rise of the PDS, later renamed Die Linke, securing double-digit results - a trend that continued until present times.
The Eastern voting behavior has recently undergone a twist, as a growing number of formerly CDU and SPD supporters have switched allegiance to the radical AfD and the BSW (Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance), feeding on the lasting remnants of authoritarianism, anti-Americanism, and traditionalist tendencies in the region. The AfD has managed to seize the entire extreme potential among disengaged voters or former supporters of the NPD and DVU, exploiting their disillusionment with mainstream politics.
A Nod to the Past, a Leap into the Future
stern journalist Martin Debes chronicles events in the eastern federal states, offering insights into the evolving political landscape of the "Close East" and his own experiences.
A Quick Glance at the Past
The first and, unfortunately, the last free election of the GDR People's Chamber took place on March 18, 1990. Despite the CDU's win, the election served as a clear indication of the desire for reunification with the West. The Alliance for Germany, a coalition of the CDU, DSU, and the Democratic Awakening, emerged victorious with 163 seats. The recently reinstated PDS, the successor to the ruling Socialist Unity Party, mustered only 66 seats.[3][5]
A Transformation Unfolds
The election in March 1990 signified the beginning of the end for the GDR. The agendas of the winning parties focused on swift reunification with the West, with the Alliance for Germany even negotiating the terms of reunification within months[3].
Present Day East German Politics
CDU
The CDU, despite facing challenges from the AfD and Die Linke, remains a powerful force in Eastern Germany.
Die Linke (PDS)
Die Linke (formerly known as the PDS) maintains a strong presence in Eastern Germany, often securing second or third place in state elections.
AfD
The AfD has gained ground in Eastern Germany, capitalizing on widespread discontent and garnering strong support among the populace.
here.
BSW (Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance)
The BSW represents a new left-wing alternative in Eastern Germany, showing potential with its recent success in the city council elections[2].
The circumstances of Eastern Germany have changed drastically since 1990. The region now faces a stark contrast from the prosperity promised by the former political powers. The disproportionate dominance of the AfD in Eastern politics comes with severe consequences for investments, skilled labor migration, and political representation. The East is falling behind.
In part, the lack of East German representation in coalition negotiations and leadership positions is due to the negligence of Western-dominated parties. Yet, the current state of affairs can also be attributed to the prevalence of the AfD in the East German Bundestag. Alas, even I, who often lament the struggles of the new federal states, am compelled to acknowledge the harsh reality: the East Germans themselves have contributed to their predicament.
All previously published columns by Martin Debes can be found here.
Tags:
- GDR
- CDU
- SPD
- AfD
- SED
- Die Linke
- PDS
- BSW
- Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance
- East Germany
- Close East
- Reunification
- Stasi
- Elections
- D-Mark
- Democratic Awakening
- DSU
- NPD
- DVU
- Round Table Talks
- Alliance for Germany
- Socialist Unity Party
- Lothar de Maizière
- In an unexpected turn, the 1990 Reichstag elections saw the CDU, once a tool of the SED, emerging victorious, forming an alliance with the DSU and embracing a right-leaning stance, reminiscent of the Bavarian CSU.
- The SPD, despite a promising prospect in the polls, fell short in the elections, contributing to the formation of a predominantly black 'Close East' in subsequent state and federal elections.
- The recent political landscape of Eastern Germany has witnessed a shift, with growing numbers of voters supporting the radical AfD and the BSW, two parties capitalizing on disillusionment with mainstream politics and feeding on lingering traditionalist tendencies in the region.
