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Wounds of change: Radebeul heals East-West scars with empathy
On November 9, 1989, the wall fell; In Meißen and Radebeul, memories of reunification and local development are discussed.
Wounds of change: Radebeul heals East-West scars with empathy
On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, marking the beginning of a far-reaching transformation process in German history. This turning point, often referred to as a peaceful revolution, made the reunification of the two German states a reality. But how do we look back today on this time that left so many scars? Sächsische.de reports on a special event that took place in Radebeul: the “Radebeuler Anglühen”.
Mulled wine was served at over 20 stands and money was also collected for the “House for Many Things” in Meißen. A total of an impressive 3,000 euros was raised this weekend. Although the house is under heavy financial strain, it offers weekly programs for around 160 visitors. But such initiatives are crucial for the local community and can help to break down prejudices, as Horst Winterkamp, a former financial advisor from Radebeul, also emphasizes. He looks back on the economic integration of the East after the fall of communism and experienced the introduction of the D-Mark and the role of the Treuhand first hand.
A look into the past
Winterkamp shares his memories and illustrates how political decisions influenced the economic competitiveness of the East. This perspective is particularly important since a third of the German population was born after 1990 and surveys show that younger generations perceive unity overwhelmingly positively. But despite these positive assessments, there are also critical voices: Studies such as the Otto Brenner study from 2019 show that many young people in East and West share similar values, but continue to perceive differences in opportunities and identity.
Although the quality of life in the East has noticeably improved, the gross domestic product per capita remains lower than in the West. Full-time employees in the East earn an average of 13,300 euros less than their West German colleagues. According to the Germany Monitor 2024, 98 percent of the population supports democracy, but the feeling of “internal unity” – that is, the growing together of East and West – is seen as not yet being fully achieved.
Cutting down trees for new projects
Development is also progressing in Radebeul itself: trees are to be felled at Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz to make room for a new tennis court. Construction work is scheduled to begin in spring 2026. The Radebeul district is not only known for its nature, but also for cultural highlights. The cabaret duo “Die Raspel” will be celebrating their silver wedding anniversary next year and will provide entertainment with a performance in the Dresden Herkuleskeule. Tickets for a second performance on September 6th are already available online.
Amid these developments, bird flu remains an issue that concerns the region, and the big mountain parade on December 20th in Dresden is also approaching. The Müller restaurants in Meißen continue to be the focus of culinary lovers. This reveals a colorful picture of the cultural and social landscape in which the stories of the past and the challenges of the present go hand in hand.