usagdr@cdp.uucp (Andrew Lange) (10/28/89)
INAUGURAL SPEECH OF EGON KRENZ TO THE GDR PEOPLE'S CHAMBER
[Egon Krenz delivered the following address to the People's
Chamber of the GDR after his election as chair of the Council of
State, the collective presidency of the GDR, on 24 October 1989.
Twenty-six deputies voted against Krenz, the first no votes in an
election of a GDR head of state. The speech outlines the program
of the ruling Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) for
political, economic and social reform in the GDR. Krenz was named
as Erich Honecker's successor as chief of state and SED general
secretary after the mass exodus of GDR citizens and mass
demonstrations in the streets discredited the policies of the
country's aging leadership.]
. . . The renewal of our society, which we are seeking, needs
the firm socialist foundation that we have jointly laid. On this
we are all agreed--all of us in the democratic alliance. While
renewal needs solidity and identity rooted in history, we should
not ignore mistakes and deforming one-sided approaches that have
also accompanied us as we built our new order over the last few
decades.
. . . Diversity of opinions prepares the ground for a well-
founded and candid dialogue. As we debate pros and cons, the
best options for the shaping of our socialist society, we have
the chance of finding the most effective and, consequently, best
solution for the people at a given point in time. The foundation
for this is provided by Article 1 of our constitution: "The
German Democratic Republic is a socialist workers' and farmers'
state. It is the political organization of the working people in
town and countryside led by the working class and its Marxist-
Leninist party."
Everything, distinguished deputies, that we have to do in the
way of reforms--and we do want to have reforms--is governed by
this mandate given by the people. . . .
The cooperation of all parties, the democratic alliance of
all popular forces in the National Front, assumes a new
dimension. Our reflections on that should also take the form of
matter-of-fact dialogue on the spot in order to find new ways of
involving, with their concerns and offers of cooperation, in
local and national decision-making processes all those who
within the meaning of the constitution are committed to our
national and international interests. . . .
While it is true that dialogue and debate are important--and
I declare myself in favor of both now and always will--the
people's daily bread can only be produced through conscientious
common effort inspired by a sense of responsibility for the whole
on the part of every individual. . . .
Joint democratic action at home and on an international scale
with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the other
fraternal socialist countries, more effective cooperation within
the CMEA and the strengthening of the Warsaw Treaty political
alliance are things which guarantee, distinguished deputies, that
in spite of all this we can tackle with confidence the tasks of
today and find sound solutions for the future.
The new democratic spirit that has seized our country and
that is growing on the foundation of our social system will, I am
firmly convinced, also make itself felt in this House. Like the
presidium of the People's Chamber, I am positive that the
Chamber, its committees and the members of all parliamentary
groups will involve themselves more directly and more
intensively in the entire process of drafting bills, including
the monitoring of their practical application, and will make
themselves heard, distinctly and with many voices, in society as
the supreme organ of popular power. . . .
Part of the liveliness of parliamentary work at the People's
Chamber should be that the mass media provide topical in-depth
coverage of parliamentary decision-making processes. Where the
further shaping of our socialist society is concerned, use should
be made, in addition to the ideas of the Socialist Unity Party of
Germany, of the many valuable suggestions put forward by the
Democratic Farmers' Party, the Christian Democratic Union, the
Liberal Democratic Party and the National Democratic Party as
well as the mass organizations. . . .
I consider it urgent that the State Council, at one of its
next meetings, should deal with its overall program of work and a
new work style. All relevant ideas and suggestions will be
reflected in the debates.
Where preparations for the 1991 elections to the People's
Chamber and the county assemblies are concerned, all experience
derived from previous elections as well as relevant suggestions
and petitions should be thoroughly reviewed and, if required,
taken into account in electoral legislation.
Our society will have to consistently pursue the continued
development of the socialist constitutional state. I emphasize
at this point once again that everyone is equal before the law
and must be treated accordingly.
The intention is, in line with this constitutional principle,
to make further areas of government activity subject to the
judicial review of administrative decisions. . . .
From the rostrum of this House I wish to appeal once again to
my fellow citizens who may still be contemplating leaving our
country: Our homeland, your friends, your colleagues, we all
need you! Anyone who leaves us is one too many. Our country is
experiencing a new departure. We want everyone to join in it.
We are certain that here every citizen has a future which makes
the dedication of all of us worthwhile, and this is the cause we
are pleading today. . . .
Recent demonstrations may have had their function, but what
our society, and I do include all of its members, today needs
less than ever is confrontation among its citizens. What is
rather needs more than ever is sober dialogue about conflicting
ideas and opinions. Examples of the last few days have proved
it. All bear responsibility for this. It remains our declared
will . . . to resolve political problems by political means.
In a setting of open discussions and calm constructive steps,
developments in our country go towards renewal with regard for
meaningful continuity. This sets the standard for the
preparations for the 12th Congress of the Socialist Unity Party
of Germany and for the public debate that is now underway.
Together, we have to weigh carefully where new steps and reforms
are necessary to release the driving forces of our society more
fully, and where it is important to breathe more life into
existing structures and utilize them more effectively.
[From USA/GDR DataBank BBS, Washington, D.C., (202) 529-0140]
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