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Leipzig lays the foundation stone for the Freedom Monument – a sign of hope!
On October 10, 2025, the foundation stone for the Freedom and Unity Monument was laid in Leipzig, which commemorates the peaceful revolution in 1989.
Leipzig lays the foundation stone for the Freedom Monument – a sign of hope!
On October 10, 2025, the foundation stone for the Freedom and Unity Monument was laid at a celebratory ceremony in Leipzig. This monumental project marks not only an architectural milestone, but also a profound tribute to the events of 1989, when over 70,000 people gathered in Leipzig to protest against the SED regime. Again Deutschlandfunk reported, Minister of State for Culture Weimer presented the monument as a “monument of encouragement” that invites people to think about the meaning of diversity and freedom.
In a park-like area, 50 white sculptures will be created in the form of joined banners, a symbol of the unity of people and dialogue with one another. Mayor Burkhard Jung emphasized the importance of the monument as a platform for discussions and encounters. It is intended not only to commemorate the peaceful revolution in eastern Germany, but also to inspire future generations to stand up for freedom and justice.
A monument to history
The laying of the foundation stone took place on a symbolic date, as it falls within the context of the annual Festival of Light, which celebrates the events of October 9, 1989 in Leipzig. Prime Minister Kretschmer noted that the peaceful revolution had its origins in Saxony and especially in Leipzig, and therefore the city plays a prominent role in German history.
The path to this monument was long and riddled with setbacks. Back in 2008, the German Bundestag decided to commemorate the citizens of Leipzig and their contribution to the Peaceful Revolution. The city council accepted the mandate to plan a monument in 2009, but initial attempts to implement it in 2014 were unsuccessful. It took until 2021 when the city council commissioned the Peaceful Revolution Foundation to develop a new proposal. This led to active citizen participation in designing the monument together. This information is available on the official Freedom Monument website, which offers a platform for current updates and participation opportunities for anyone interested. Further details can be found at freiheitsdenkmal-leipzig.de.
The Freedom and Unity Monument symbolizes the encouragement and strengthening of civil rights. It provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the past and internalize the lessons for the future. Especially at a time when the pursuit of freedom poses great challenges in many parts of the world, this monument is a strong sign of hope and solidarity.