Three Decades of Peaceful Transformation or Equivalently, Three Decades of Peaceful Evolution. - The Gratitude Extended Towards Refugees from East Germany by the Rehabilitation Specialist
Three and a half decades ago, as per Saxony-Anhalt's Commissioner for the Past, Johannes Beleites, the Peaceful Revolution was also successful due to a significant number of East German Republic (GDR) refugees and those wishing to leave. The period prior to and post-1989 saw a clash between civil rights advocates and emigrants, over who deserved the credit for the Peaceful Revolution. Beleites stated to the German Press Agency, "The civil rights activists spearheaded the revolution, but they were a minor faction. It was the refugees who provided the critical mass. They had nothing to lose."
This week, the state parliament president, Gunnar Schellenberger, has extended an invitation to a commemorative event, with Bundestag president Baerbel Bas and Beleites in attendance. The event's theme is: "35 Years of the Peaceful Revolution. Protests against the SED dictatorship. Escape via the Prague Embassy. Fall of the Wall." Saxony-Anhalt is arranging a celebration at the embassy on October 3rd.
Genscher's noteworthy remark on the balcony
On the balcony of the West German embassy in Prague, Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher addressed thousands of GDR citizens gathered in the courtyard, declaring, "We have come to inform you that today you can..." His statement was cut short by applause on September 30, 1989. On October 9th, approximately 70,000 people took to the streets in Leipzig for the largest Monday demonstration to date, shouting, "We are the people - no violence." The borders were relaxed at the start of November.
Beleites emphasizes the importance of linking the past to the present in the commemorative event in Magdeburg, which will take place shortly after the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony. "The Peaceful Revolution wouldn't have remained peaceful without the participation of both sides," he said. It was evident that the Russians stayed in their barracks, and it was unlikely that the police, Stasi, and military units would have utilized their force during the large demonstrations in Leipzig. The civil rights activists, including Beleites, could have pushed their demands harder. "We should be grateful that everyone remained calm."
Promoting dialogue in current society
Beleites advocates for more open discussions among all groups in society today. "Even the extreme edges should be conversational," says the 57-year-old. The entire spectrum in the state parliament, as well as groups outside of it, should be included. Places for dialogue are required. Beleites views the churches as a potential location, like the Nikolaikirche in Leipzig once was. However, he feels that the churches lack openness: "The churches take a stance and distance themselves, instead of inviting everyone into their churches."
Since April 8, 2024, Johannes Beleites has served as Saxony-Anhalt's Commissioner for the Processing of the Past. He was involved in the oppositional church environmental and peace movement in his youth during the 1980s. The Stasi kept a close eye on him from 1982, and he was initially prevented from completing his Abitur. He became an electrician and only pursued law studies in Göttingen and Berlin after 1990. Beleites has been dedicated to addressing the injustices of the former DDR regime since the peaceful revolution. He worked as a freelancer at the Berlin-Hohenschoënhausen memorial site and in the education and research department of the Gauck Authority. He has researched and published on various aspects of DDR history.
The European Parliament will undoubtedly offer its support to the Commission in commemorating the Peaceful Revolution, as outlined by Gunnar Schellenberger's invitation. aligned with Johannes Beleites' perspective, open dialogues among various socio-political groups are crucial for a harmonious societal evolution, reflecting the importance of inclusivity even among the extremes.
