Schwesig and Günther commemorate the opening of the border in Boizenburg

Schwesig and Günther commemorate the opening of the border in Boizenburg

On November 9, 2025, a moving commemoration took place in Boizenburg on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the opening of the inner-German border. In their speeches, Manuela Schwesig, Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Daniel Günther, Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, drew parallels between the historic opening and the ongoing challenges to freedom and democracy. The event was also part of the celebrations for the 35th anniversary of the town twinning between Boizenburg and Lauenburg, which was launched in 1990. According to sat1regional.de, the prime ministers came together for a traditional meeting to commemorate the former inner-German border at a symbolic location.

The focus was particularly on the courage of the people in the GDR who fought for fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of the press in 1989. “November 9th is not just a date, but the beginning of a process that led to German unity,” said Schwesig. Both politicians remembered their youth during the fall of the Berlin Wall - Schwesig was 15, Günther 16. The emotional images of the fall of the Berlin Wall, which reflected the courage of the people in the GDR, are firmly anchored in their memories.

Forced deportations as a dark chapter

A central component of the culture of remembrance was the issue of forced deportations in the GDR. Jacqueline Bernhardt, the Minister of Justice of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, spoke about the wounds of these events that still linger today. The forced deportations, which took place in two major waves in 1952 and 1961, affected many citizens who were considered politically unreliable. It is estimated that between 11,000 and 12,000 people were relocated, often under dramatic circumstances, similar to the “Aktion Verziefer” and “Aktion Festigung”, which took place on a scale and brutality that destroyed many lives and destinies. This topic is examined intensively in a Wikipedia article.

From July 1st, victims of these forced relocations will have the opportunity to apply for compensation. So far, around 240 applications have been submitted from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, around half of which have been approved. Those affected are entitled to a one-off compensation payment of 7,500 euros, while around 230 applications have already been received this year for the SED victims' pension, which amounts to 400 euros per month.

A look back, but also forward

State Parliament President Birgit Hesse turned her attention to the past by recalling the November pogroms of 1938, which resulted in the cruel disenfranchisement of the Jewish population. These memories should always remind us of the importance of human rights and social tolerance. Sat1regional.de highlights the importance of learning from history to avoid future mistakes.

At a time when dealing with history and its lessons is essential for society, the discussion about freedom and human rights remains more relevant than ever. The experiences of the past continue to have an impact on today's society and call on us to stand up for a common, peaceful coexistence.