Politicians call for solidarity on 3 October

Visitors stand at information booths on Cathedral Square at the Citizens' Festival for the Day of German Unity, which takes place this year in Erfurt. Traditionally, the federal state that provides the president of the state chamber hosts the central celebration around 3 October.

On the occasion of the Day of German Unity on Monday, Berlin politicians called for social cohesion - especially in view of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the energy crisis. They also called for a resolute defence of freedom and democracy.

"German unity is a great gift to us all," said Franziska Giffey (SPD), the governing mayor of Berlin, on the 32nd anniversary of reunification. "The end of the Cold War and the fall of the Wall as a unique stroke of luck in history changed our country, the whole of Europe and the entire world for the better." These achievements must be protected.

"Clear commitment for free, liberal democracy"

"We have grown together in 32 years and make a clear commitment to free, liberal democracy," said Giffey. "We will continue to work on this and not allow ourselves to be divided. Not by new nationalisms in Europe and not by Russia's war. Freedom will win, as it did in 1989."

Buchner: Building new bridges again and again

The President of the Berlin House of Representatives, Dennis Buchner, had already made it clear on Friday that he still sees "great differences between the western and eastern parts of Germany". "It must therefore be the goal of all political, but also social efforts to reduce social and economic disadvantages, to promote understanding for different life achievements and life paths, and to keep building new bridges between the people in our country," the SPD politician explained.