Thirty years after Germany’s reunification, the Unity Expo was opened in Potsdam this past weekend. It shows what happened in the past 30 years, in 30 glass boxes anyone can take a look at.
Contrary to its name, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) was not democratic. It became part of the democratic Federal Republic of Germany on October 3rd, 1990. This happened eleven months after the Berlin Wall fell, 29 years after it was built, and 45 years after the Allies finally ended fascism and the Holocaust by defeating Nazi Germany.
Under normal circumstances, Germany’s federal states would have welcomed visitors in big tents. Everyone would have gotten little treats and beverages, souvenirs and booklets. People would have listened to speeches, live music and what not. Those celebrations would have lasted for a week.
Due to Corona, the Unity Expo lasts for a month. Recently, First Minister Woidke and his team of organizers “made a virtue out of necessity”, as he put it. Visitors are supposed to keep their distance and adhere to all other Corona rules, such as wearing masks when they get to close to other people. But they will have more time to look at the outdoor Expo.