Klöckner Calls Comparisons to the GDR Absurd in Light of Today's Situation

Calls for More Aid for Doping Victims

In her new annual report, which she presented to the Bundestag Presidium during the meeting in Hohenschönhausen, Zupke advocates for regular financial assistance for the victims of forced doping in the GDR. “The GDR sports system didn’t just produce medals and world champions,” Zupke emphasized. “State-sanctioned forced doping is responsible for thousands of people who still suffer from physical and psychological consequences to this day.”

With “State Plan 14.25,” the SED regime introduced a state-organized, nationwide doping program in 1974 to “demonstrate the supposed superiority of socialism,” writes the Commissioner for Victims. By 1989, between 10,000 and 15,000 young people had been regularly doped—primarily with anabolic steroids—without their knowledge or consent. “People were mercilessly exploited there to satisfy the system’s hunger for medals,” said Zupke.

In her view, a law is needed that grants those affected access to what is known as social compensation law. This would give them a chance at monthly payments that could amount to several hundred euros, depending on the extent of the harm.

New Aid Measures Take Effect

Zupke gave a positive assessment following last year’s legal improvements for other victims of the SED dictatorship. “A central component of the legislative package is the nationwide hardship fund, which began operations on November 9, 2025,” she explained.

The fund provides individual assistance to former victims of political persecution—ranging from travel subsidies to the purchase of an e-bike for a former prisoner who cannot tolerate public transportation, to the age-appropriate renovation of a bathroom. To date, 300 people have benefited from these benefits.

“Our reunified country is on the right track to support and honor the victims of the SED dictatorship in the best possible way,” said Zupke. But we must not let up. “Our democracy does not abandon the victims of the SED dictatorship.”

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