The Boston Globe continues its excellent coverage of current events in Germany with an article on the planned demolition of the iconic Palast der Republik:
But surprising numbers of former East Germans are seeking to save the derelict structure. The passionate opposition to the demolition, which could begin as early as this month, seems to be less about architectural aesthetics than about the deep rifts that still divide Germany. The country was unified in 1990, but the economy, and to large extent national agendas, are still dominated by the far more prosperous west.
”The new Germany wants to wipe out all memories of the GDR," said Alwin Steindorf, 79, a retired schoolteacher, using the acronym for the German Democratic Republic, the formal name of the deposed communist state. ”It wasn’t a perfect place, but decent people lived decent lives there. This building was a proud symbol to us. Tearing it down is like tearing down our culture."
The BÜNDNIS FÜR DEN PALAST is organizing protests to block the demolition through its Web site. But should they not succeed, and the Palace is destroyed, there will be at least one other reminder of the DDR that we can all experience at least for the next four years. Torsten Harmsen in the Berliner Zeitung hears tones of the DDR-epoch in the New Year’s Address of Chancellor Angela Merkel (via Ostblog):
Angela Merkel bringt einen längst vergessen geglaubten Stil in die bundesdeutsche Politik: und zwar mit der offiziellen Sprache der DDR, in der sie einst sozialisiert wurde. Sie kann nicht anders. Und es ist fast ein Witz, dass 15 Jahre nach dem Ende der DDR deren Stil nun auf höchster Ebene munter fortlebt – unter vollkommen gewandelten Verhältnissen.
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I would be tremendously sad to see the Palast go – it is exactly this arrangement of buildings that is so significant for all that Berlin stands for. It would be extremely short-sighted to remove the palace, too. When they removed the Wall most were glad to see it go – but today it turns out that people are looking for this historic construction and wonder where it once was, surprised that only so few marks are left. Berlin certainly is a city that grows by layers. I think it was Sebastian Haffner who once said in Berlin every new period eats the old – but we don´t need to follow that unwritten rule. Here we have a chance to celebrate Berlin´s diversity and historic richness. As the Palastbündnis people say, it would also serve well for a Museum of contemporary artists (“The White Cube”).
Despite that I find the Palast ugly and am from the West, I love it. (Yeah :)) I love how all the opposite buildings are reflected in the mirror-like facade. I love how it is a place many East Germans hold dear memories of, as it was a palace to celebrate in. But my alltime favorite thing was when artist Lars Ramberg last year installed huge letters on the roof of the palace reading “ZWEIFEL”. (Can be seen i.e. here: http://homepages.at/nipnic/zweifel.htm)
The decision will be made on January 18th. Let´s hope…
Merkel glows in the dark now, totally fettisch!