Foundation fever

Between November 1989 and January 1990, the people in the GDR were extremely active. Their protest against the rule of the SED grew, with their criticism becoming increasingly fierce. Gradually they took the liberties that had been denied to them for so long. In order to achieve their goals, they formed groups representing their interests in all parts of the country, from the cities to the villages.

Numerous parties and citizens' initiatives were founded. Their initiators ranged from young people to old age pensioners, single mothers and fathers, families, doctors and labourers, conservatives and Marxists. There was a real explosion in the number of new organisations during these months.

Alongside the many initiatives and political groups aiming for democratic change, right-wing organisations were also formed. At the end of January 1990 neo-Nazis set up National Alternative, which registered as a party in March.