A recent survey conducted by the polling institute Insa Consulere, commissioned by the German magazine “Superillu”, reveals a strong consensus among residents of eastern Germany regarding the legacy of the pivotal period marking the end of the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
The survey, encompassing 1,000 adults aged 18 and above across the six eastern states of Germany, including Berlin and collected between September 10th and 17th, 2024, indicated a widespread agreement on the significance of the peaceful transition. A commanding 76% of those surveyed view the peaceful revolution as a “significant historical inheritance for all of Germany”. Furthermore, 77% attribute the courage displayed by eastern Germans in 1989 as instrumental in making German reunification possible.
When asked to identify the ideals, values and goals that resonated most strongly from that era, respondents consistently prioritized German unity, freedom of expression, freedom of travel and the right to free elections.
Interestingly, perceptions regarding which political parties best embody these values varied. Among those questioned, 23% believe the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is currently the party most likely to uphold these ideals, followed by 15% who identify with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The Social Democratic Party (SPD) garnered support from 11% of respondents, while Die Linke received 10%, the Bewegungs Solidarität (BSW) 6%, the Green Party 3% and 14% feel that no party currently reflects these values. The survey results notably showed a strong correlation between respondents’ choices and the parties they voted for in the last federal election.