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Magdeburg as the capital: A controversial milestone 35 years ago!
On October 28, 1990, Magdeburg was made the state capital, despite Halle's greater importance. The rivalry between the two cities continues.
Magdeburg as the capital: A controversial milestone 35 years ago!
On October 28, 1990, the members of the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt decided to elect Magdeburg as the state capital. This decision remains one of the most controversial in history between the cities of Halle and Magdeburg. At that time, Halle was not only more populous, but also more economically important than Magdeburg. While Halle had over 100,000 inhabitants in 1990, the city has since lost almost as many citizens, while Magdeburg has seen a decline of around 50,000 people.
The mayor of Halle, Dr. Alexander Vogt described the selection of Magdeburg as the capital as one of the most disadvantageous decisions for his city. In a now-deleted video, Vogt said that Halle is part of a successful European metropolitan region, while Magdeburg is often perceived as a provincial capital. Despite the critical statements, Vogt underlines the existing good relationship between Halle and Magdeburg, which shows that the rivalry is never completely over.
Rivalry and cooperation
The debate about the capital question began in the summer of 1990, when German unity was within reach. After a secret vote in the summer of 1990, in which 2,489 representatives took part, Magdeburg was finally declared the winner - with 1,298 votes for Magdeburg compared to 882 votes for Halle. The final decision was made in the constitutive session of the state parliament in Dessau.
Magdeburg traditionally put forward arguments pointing to its history as the capital of the Prussian province of Saxony and its central location. Halle, on the other hand, refused and referred to its previous role as state capital between 1947 and 1952 as well as its importance as a center for science and business. A survey by the Magdeburg University of Technology during the debate showed that 50% of respondents voted for Magdeburg, 39% for Halle and 11% for Dessau.
Impact on cities
The ongoing rivalry between Halle and Magdeburg still influences both cities today. While Magdeburg is trying to further expand its role as a city, both cities are increasingly looking for cooperation in the areas of business, science and culture. This could be a way to support each other and win back the residents we once lost.
Halle and Magdeburg remain in constant competition, even if the path to cooperation is becoming more pronounced in certain places. The history of the capital city election will continue to feature in both political and social discussions. Today's perception of both cities is strongly influenced by this decision and the consequences it entailed. Overall, the development of both cities remains exciting, as part of a changing metropolitan region in Europe.
Whether there will be a new dialogue about the role of the two cities at some point remains exciting. Until then, the capital elections of 1990 will be remembered as a real political issue.