New recognition for forced relocated: 7,500 euros compensation!

New recognition for forced relocated: 7,500 euros compensation!

In the coming weeks, an important change in law will come into force in Germany that focuses on the fate of forced relocated from the GDR. From July 1, 2025, a novella of the "SED Unihindrechtinigungs Act" will have an effect, which provides for a one-off payment of 7,500 euros as social recognition. Despite this positive development, the uncertainty about the number of people concerned in Thuringia remains, since many may no longer live.

The forced releases that took place in the 1950s and 60s are a dark chapter in German history. The GDR government forced thousands of people in night and fog campaigns to relocate, often under the pretext that they lived too close "on the west". One example is the Brunhilde Gerlach family, which was relocated from Wohlmuthausen to Gotha. Another fate is that of Günther Henneberger, who lost his homeland in May 1952 during the notorious "Aktion vermen".

The compulsory exposures in detail

A total of between 11,000 and 12,000 people were recorded during the forced relocations. These took place in various promotions, including the "Action Border" and the "Action Unwreistlers" in 1952 as well as "Comment" and "Aktion Kornblume" in 1961. The aim was to remove politically unreliable citizens from security zones. People were often torn out of their houses without warning and loaded into freight cars, which not only led to chaotic conditions, but also reduced their property.

An example is the village of Zicherie, which was demolished in 1952. During this time, many people affected by the measures were in a permanent state of emergency; Among those affected were also churchgoers, former NSDAP members and many who were in contact with the west through the hinterland.

The consequences for those affected

The relocations had serious effects on the families concerned. Many never saw their property again and were no longer allowed to return to the blocking zones until 1990. These losses remained without appreciation for years. It was not until 1990, after the turn, the topic came to the agenda through the "new forum", which led to the establishment of a club that perceived the interests of the forced depreciation.

Although a rehabilitation law came into force in September 1990, it was collected again with reunification. It was only in 1994 that a law was passed that enabled applications for rehabilitation, without sufficient appreciation.

The upcoming change in the law is not only a step in the right direction, but also a long overdue admission of history. This one -off payment is not intended as compensation for the losses suffered, but it represents an official recognition of suffering that has suffered the forced relocated. It remains to be seen how perception and memory will develop in the next few years. The fate of these people should not be forgotten, and it is in society to ensure that the memory remains alive.