Berlin, Germany – The German Bundestag’s Commissioner for Victims of the SED, Evelyn Zupke, hailed the January 2025 package of laws on compensation for victims of the SED dictatorship as a “milestone”. In her annual report for 2025, presented in Berlin on Tuesday, she described the move as a “paradigm shift in the handling of victims of political persecution in the GDR”.
The law, which came into effect in January, introduces a significantly increased, income-independent and inflation-adjusted compensation rate for victims of political persecution in East Germany. It also provides for a substantial increase in benefits for those who were persecuted in their profession, a financial recognition for victims of forced relocations along the inner-German border and the inclusion of victims of Stasi surveillance in West Berlin and the Federal Republic in the support system. The law also simplifies the process of recognizing health damages caused by persecution and establishes a nationwide hardship fund.
“This far-reaching decision, especially in such a challenging political climate, is not a self-evident truth, but a striking signal to the victims that their suffering will not be forgotten and they can rely on the support of our democratic society” Zupke said, emphasizing the significance of the Bundestag’s decision for the victims.
However, the commissioner also expressed concern over certain developments, particularly the findings of surveys showing that more than half of those in eastern Germany believe they have no political influence. Additionally, the differing perspectives on the division of Germany and its reunification are a challenge, Zupke noted, emphasizing the need to bring these different viewpoints into the conversation.