Steinmeier in Neuruppin: Praise for East Germans and debate about compromises

Steinmeier in Neuruppin: Praise for East Germans and debate about compromises

On July 3, 2025, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Neuruppin as part of the so-called local time. He praised the remarkable life achievements of the East Germans and recalled the “dramatic transformation” of the city since reunification in 1990. Steinmeier noted that of the once large companies in the GDR, only the clinics remain, which have now become Neuruppin's largest employer and a center for medical training. This development shows the adaptability and resilience of the people in the region, who can continue to find their place in the middle class and thus contribute to economic recovery. The developments in Neuruppin are an impressive example of the change that East Germany has undergone in the last few decades, which Steinmeier emphasized several times.

But the changes are not just economic. Political currents also form an important field. Current election forecasts indicate that the AfD may become the strongest force in the upcoming state elections in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg. This is primarily due to the ongoing dissatisfaction of many citizens with the political and social conditions, which are partly attributed to the upheavals after 1989/90. Historians such as Detlev Brunner point out that the East Germans should not be understood as passive victims, but as acting subjects who were actively involved in the transformation process.

The challenges of the past and present

Dealing with the AfD was another topic that Steinmeier addressed. He encouraged people to seek compromises and to involve many interests in dialogue. At the same time, he commented on the need for military strength to support diplomacy and punctuality, which he considers conscription to be necessary. These topics reflect the challenges facing society as a whole that not only East Germany, but the entire Federal Republic faces.

The transformation of East German society has been intensively researched for years. While in the 1990s the focus was primarily on social science issues, contemporary history research has gained in importance since the mid-2010s. In particular, the discussion about the term “East Germany” and the experiences associated with it have changed. The change is often heroized in society, but many challenges remain unsolved to this day. For many citizens, social inequalities between East and West persist and promote the rise of right-wing movements. Transparent co-determination among employees is crucial in order to ensure that future transformation processes are fair and equitable.

Looking into the future

With the experiences of the past in mind, historians and political scientists are calling for more focus on the active role of the East German workforce during the economic upheavals. They should not just be seen as passive recipients of change, but as active designers of their future. This requires political and social mobilization to counteract the right-wing tendencies in society and promote a socially just transformation.

Whether and how the people of East Germany will take this path together remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the challenges are complex and multi-layered, and dialogue must be revived in order to create trust and perspectives. As Steinmeier concluded, we must be prepared to face the questions of the future and get actively involved - this is the only way to create the foundation for positive further development.