Germany’s new Berlin Wall, in essence, is not a physical barrier but a societal and political divide that continues to shape the country’s landscape more than three decades after its unification in 1990. This divide, described as a ‘firewall’ by the establishment, is increasingly viewed as a source of frustration among many East Germans, who feel marginalized and misrepresented within the political and economic systems of the country.
Despite the nominal end of the Cold War division, the article reveals that significant disparities still persist between former East and West German regions. These disparities manifest economically, with East Germans, on average, earning less and having less access to certain opportunities compared to their Western counterparts. Socially, the divide is evident in how East Germans are often perceived, with some critics accusing them of lacking the ‘democratic culture’ supposedly ingrained in Western societies.
The establishment’s ‘firewall’ policy against the AfD, which seeks to exclude the party from government and thus marginalize its voters, has further exacerbated these tensions. This policy has led to a situation where the votes of AfD supporters are effectively discounted, with their political influence being significantly limited. This has contributed to a sense of alienation among many East Germans, who feel that their voices are not being heard or valued within the political system.
The article suggests that the new Berlin Wall is not a relic of the past, but a product of contemporary political dynamics. The establishment’s actions are seen as an attempt to maintain power and control, which has led to the creation of a new East-West divide. This divide is not just based on historical differences, but is driven by current political and economic policies that continue to favor Western regions and marginalize the East.