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35 years of unity: challenges and hopes for East and West!
On October 3, 2025, a speech in Frankfurt am Main reflects the development of German unity and recognizes Robert Blum.
35 years of unity: challenges and hopes for East and West!
On October 3, 2025, a speech on the day of German unity was kept in the Paulskirche in Frankfurt am Main. This event is of particular importance, since Frankfurt am Main has been a partner city of Leipzig since October 3, 1990. The speech referred to Robert Blum, one of the most important fighters for a united democratic Germany and a sensible symbol for the achievements of unity.
Robert Blum was born in Cologne on November 10, 1807 and grew up under modest conditions. His childhood was characterized by financial difficulties that restricted him in his educational opportunities. Despite these hurdles, he managed to train himself in autodidactically and experienced the political upheavals of the revolutions of 1830. Blum came to Leipzig in 1832, where he was committed to the liberal-democratic movement and finally appeared as spokesman for democracy movement in the region.
Blum's legacy and the peaceful revolution
The speech was not only referred to inheritance, but also to the role of Leipzig as a historical center for social, cultural and political developments. The speaker, born in 1949, had no connections to the GDR until 1991 and experienced the peaceful revolution in Leipzig from afar in 1989 while recovering from an injury. His first trip to Leipzig took place in 1991, where he was elected pastor at the Thomas Church in September of the same year.
The challenge of German unity was also discussed. 35 years after the official association, many people, especially in the east, see the word "reunification" as problematic. The association is considered historically new, although it has been emphasized that German unity is the result of the peaceful revolution. Reference was critically referred to the military intervention and the financing of the Gulf War in 1990, which left traces in the social memory.
Society and challenges
Organized right -wing extremism in East Germany after 1989 is another challenge that was addressed in the speech. There is a misunderstanding in East Germany about the association, which many viewed as a rebirth of a nation. These perspectives make common identity and social cohesion difficult.
The speaker called for an educational, social and integration policy facing humans. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism, shaped by gratitude for the positive developments since 1990 and trust in future improvements. One year after the celebration of German unity, it is of great importance to actively participate in society and to work together to overcome existing obstacles.
In summary, the ceremony is not only understood as a review of the history, but also as a call for the active participation of the future in a democratic society. Together, the teachings from the past can help to cope with today's challenges and to pave the way for a uniform and just future. Information about Robert Blum and its significant role in German history are under bpb.de available.