Erfurt (dpa/th) - According to Thuringia's CDU parliamentary group leader Mario Voigt, the prosperity gap that still exists after 32 years of reunification is one reason for widespread existential fears in East Germany. "Especially the generation of the peaceful revolution is about to lose their hard-earned prosperity through the price increase," Voigt told the German Press Agency in Erfurt. More than three decades of development in the East should not be jeopardized by the energy crisis and inflation.
The CDU politician referred to people's savings deposits, which according to him average around 14,000 euros in eastern Germany and around 51,000 euros in western Germany. "There are too few reserves to be able to respond to increases in energy, fuel and food prices at the same time." He understands people who are celebrating reunification, but also demonstrating for more speed in relieving the energy crisis.
The hesitation of the traffic light government to relief threatens to gamble away "the small prosperity that many in the East have built up over the last 30 years," said Voigt with a view to the Day of German Unity, which is celebrated this Monday. The central celebration will be held in Erfurt this year. "We can't just celebrate and make a good face on October 3rd in Erfurt, we have to tackle reality and seize the opportunity for alignment," said Voigt.
He referred to a heated mood in some places and demonstrations with growing numbers in many cities in East Germany. "We have to take this extremely seriously, people have worries and existential fears." The special East German situation should be taken more into account, especially by the federal government.
