East German Past Revisited: Kowalczuk & Ramelow's 'The New Wall'
Historian Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk and politician Bodo Ramelow, representing opposing views on Germany's past, have published 'The New Wall. A Conversation About the East'. The book explores the GDR's legacy, freedom, and democracy. Kowalczuk, an 'unkempt confessed anti-communist', and Ramelow, a 'well-groomed god-fearing leftist', delve into contentious topics such as the GDR's legal system and the Treuhand's actions.
Kowalczuk, who fled the SED regime, argues against hatred towards the original idea of communism, but condemns the damage caused by its political expression in the DDR. Ramelow, the first left-wing minister-president in Thuringia, advocates for more direct democracy and values the social treatment of marginalised groups. Both authors agree that true democracy involves radical questioning and organised answers.
They discuss the role of flags in political disputes and the actions of the Treuhand, which privatised former GDR state-owned enterprises. Ramelow, a former West German food retailer, brings a unique perspective to the conversation, while Kowalczuk provides historical insight. Their differing views create a compelling dialogue in the book, published by C. H. Beck.
In 'The New Wall', Kowalczuk and Ramelow engage in a thoughtful debate about the East German past and its implications for today. Their conversation, priced at €24, offers readers a chance to explore complex issues from contrasting viewpoints. Despite their differing opinions, both authors agree that democracy thrives when radical questions meet organised responses.
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