In 1989, peaceful mass protests started to occur in the GDR. The city of Leipzig was the main location of the Peaceful Revolution and starting point for the Monday demonstrations. The courage people showed in taking to the streets to protest against the East German Communist Party regime and the unrestrained joy at the fall of the Berlin Wall have become significant historical events. “9 October 1989 changed the world. On this day, the brave citizens of Leipzig changed the world,” said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the ceremony to mark the 35^th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution in Leipzig.

The key facts:

• In his ceremonial address in the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, the Federal Chancellor recalled the social and political events of that autumn 35 years ago, both within the GDR and throughout Europe. He also warned populists and extremists not to misuse the words “We are the people”. 
• In addition, the Federal Chancellor participated in the prayer for peace in St Nicholas’ Church. This prayer was the starting point for the Monday demonstrations in September 1989. The Federal Chancellor said: “The citizens who rose up from their wooden benches in St Nicholas’ Church on 9 October didn’t know how far they would get. They didn’t know whether they would be able to sleep in their own beds that night, or whether they would end up on the cold asphalt, under arrest or in the hospital emergency room. But they still set off, each one of them afraid, together but with incredible courage.” The protests remained peaceful. One month later, the Berlin Wall fell.

A transcript of the speech find you here (only in German).