Plauen applies for the anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution

To mark the 40th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution of 1989, the city of Plauen wants to bring the central commemorative event to Vogtland. "We are convinced that our city is a particularly worthy and authentic place to commemorate the strength, courage and cohesion of the people who peacefully brought about change back then in 2029," said Lord Mayor Steffen Zenner (CDU).

So far, Leipzig has been the main focus of the annual national celebrations. In a letter to the Federal Chancellery, the Saxon State Chancellery and the Federal Government Commissioner for Eastern Europe, Plauen has now applied to be the central venue for the 40th anniversary, said Zenner.

Around 15,000 GDR citizens took to the streets

The city played an important role in the Peaceful Revolution. On October 7, 1989, a large demonstration of around 15,000 citizens took place in Vogtland for the first time, during which the GDR state power let the people go - two days before the legendary protest march with at least 70,000 people on the Leipzig Ring.