Saarbrücken, 3 October 2025 — Germany celebrated the 35th anniversary of reunification on Friday with national festivities in Saarbrücken, where French President Emmanuel Macron was guest of honor. The commemorations highlighted both the achievements of unity and the challenges facing democracy in an era of global uncertainty.
Merz Calls for “New Unity”
Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the gathering, describing the day as a “festive occasion” but cautioning that democracy itself is under pressure. He pointed to the rise of new alliances of autocracies, growing economic protectionism, and the polarising effects of irregular migration as factors straining Germany’s social fabric. “We are celebrating 35 years of being united in peace,” Merz said, urging Germans to recognize the value of democracy and the rule of law while working toward a “new unity” for the future.
Macron: Unity Beyond Germany
President Emmanuel Macron praised German reunification as a turning point in European history, recalling how it symbolized not only the end of division in Germany but also a broader reconciliation across Europe. He warned, however, that the promise of peace and prosperity remains fragile, citing fractures within democracies and the lure of political extremes. “Our generation now has a choice — to succumb to fatigue and doubt, or to stand together and shape a bold new era,” Macron said to applause.
A Day of Reflection and Celebration
The anniversary, known as German Unity Day, is the country’s most important public holiday. Events in Saarbrücken included cultural performances, public debates, and concerts, with simultaneous choral gatherings across the country recalling the peaceful revolution of 1989.
While the day celebrated the courage that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990, both leaders emphasized that the work of unity remains unfinished. The message from Saarbrücken was clear: Germany’s past achievements must serve as a foundation for renewed resilience in the face of today’s democratic challenges.
Source: DW
Friedrich Merz Picture from Heute.at by Martin Meissner, AP picturedesk.com
