Focus – Germany celebrates Unity Day

BREMEN, Oct 3 /ATSH-DPA/ – Germany marks German Unity Day today, while the central national events take place in Bremen, where the country’s political leaders are expected to gather.

German Unity Day, a national holiday in Germany, commemorates Oct 3, 1990, when the five states of the former East Germany joined the Federal Republic of Germany, officially ending the country’s division after World War II.

After a religious service at Bremen Cathedral, political leaders and other guests will take part in the official ceremony at the “Die Glocke” concert hall.

More than 400,000 people are expected to attend the public festival in Bremen, which will continue until Sunday. Dozens of stands and stages have been set up in the city centre, and around 800 activities are planned, including free concerts, discussions, guided tours and exhibitions.

The celebrations are held under the motto “Many strengths, one country”.

Bremen is hosting this year’s central ceremonies because it holds the presidency of the Bundesrat, the upper house of the German parliament.

More than three decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the consequences of reunification continue to be debated in Germany. Differences between the east and west of the country remain visible, especially in income and wealth, while the profound economic changes that followed reunification continue to affect the eastern part of the country.

Some citizens from eastern Germany also say they have had insufficient influence and representation in national institutions.

The German Unity Day celebrations thus serve as a moment to remember the country’s reunification, but also to reflect on the challenges that remain more than 30 years after Germany was united. / a.jor.