February 13: CDU criticizes lack of concept for Altmarkt memorial site to mark 80th anniversary of Dresden's destruction

Current status of the Altmarkt memorial site

In January 2024, a new information stele was erected on the Altmarkt to commemorate the bombing of the city after the previous stele was damaged during construction work.

Despite this measure, there is still no comprehensive concept for the redesign of the memorial site, as requested by the city council.

Significance of the commemoration for Dresden

The annual commemoration of the destruction of Dresden is firmly anchored in the city's society. Every year on February 13, thousands of people gather to commemorate the victims and set an example for peace and reconciliation. A central event is the human chain that symbolically encircles the Old Town. 

The CDU parliamentary group emphasizes the importance of an active culture of remembrance and calls on the city administration to live up to its responsibility. "The culture of remembrance must finally be taken seriously again in Dresden instead of just pursuing our own political interests," says Mario Schmidt.

In view of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the destruction of Dresden in February 2025, time is pressing for the implementation of a worthy commemorative concept. The city administration is called upon to work together with the Advisory Board for the Culture of Remembrance and the urban community to develop solutions to commemorate the historic event in an appropriate manner.