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Willy Brandt's legendary visit to Schwante: Memories of a contemporary witness
Memories of Willy Brandt's visit to Schwante in 1990: Joachim Kähler reflects on the historical moment and the founding of the SDP.
Willy Brandt's legendary visit to Schwante: Memories of a contemporary witness
At a time of change and political upheaval in Germany, especially in the GDR, local events and personalities played a crucial role. Such a moment occurred on March 10, 1990, when Willy Brandt, the then chairman of the SPD, visited the small community of Schwante. Joachim Kähler, one of the protagonists of this story, remembers this memorable day well.
On February 22, 1990, Kähler was on his way to an SPD party conference in Leipzig, while he was already active in the founding of the Social Democratic Party of the GDR (SDP) in Schwante in October 1989. Brandt, who attended the party conference as a guest, sat right next to Kähler, which led to a decisive meeting. Kähler asked Brandt to visit his home community, and the SPD chairman accepted this request. It wasn't just a coincidental stay, but an important date as part of his election campaign for the upcoming People's Chamber election on March 18, 1990.
The preparations for the visit
Before the short visit to Schwante, Kähler mobilized his fellow campaigners and the residents to receive Brandt. But the whole thing had to happen quickly; the appointment was spontaneously fitted into Brandt's busy schedule. Curiosity was great and many citizens gathered at the rectory in the hope of seeing the famous politician.
The welcome was warm. Kähler received Brandt behind the rectory, where a short public part of the visit took place. On that day, it was not only the residents of Schwante who enjoyed the encounter: other prominent SPD politicians, such as Johannes Rau and Hans-Jochen Vogel, also visited this community in the following years, with Vogel emphasizing the importance of the SDP's founding for future generations.
An unforgettable moment
After the public part of the visit, Brandt withdrew to the rectory with his companions, including Klaus Schütz. The sexton Dorothea Schumann later remembered an amusing comment from Brandt about the coffee, which for many present was a sign of his down-to-earth attitude. After about an hour, Brandt continued his journey, but he left a lasting impression, both in the hearts of those present and in the records: “Thanks to those who were ahead of others!” said Brandt in the guest book.
The start of the SDP in Schwante was not just a political event, but a fundamental change for many citizens who felt strengthened by such visits. Kähler and the contemporary witnesses at the time repeatedly emphasize how important such encounters were in promoting spiritual and political energy in the region.
The exchange between people and political figures could not only be viewed as historical, but is also still important today. This shows that history is not only written in large events, but also in small, personal encounters.