Mitte in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany — Central Europe
Freie Wahlen
Orte der Friedlichen Revolution
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Free Elections
Sites of the Peaceful Revolution
| — | '89 | — |
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
1. Freie Wahlen / Free Elections Marker
7. März 1990
Montagsdemonstrationen werden zu Wahlkundgebungen - erste freie Volkskammerwahl am 18. März 1990
Freie Wahlen war eine der Kernforderungen der Demonstranten. Bereits im März 1990 sollte die erste freie Volkskammerwahl der DDR stattfinden.
Im Frühjahr 1990 veränderte sich der Charakter der Montagsdemonstrationen spürbar. Sie wurden nun zunehmend vom Wahlkampf geprägt. Zehntausende kamen auch zu den Wahlkundgebungen, auf denen bekannte bundesdeutsche Politiker zur Unterstützung der jeweiligen Partnerparteien auftraten.
Die Volkskammerwahl am 18. März 1990 endete mit einem deutlichen Sieg der Allianz für Deutschland. Mit der außerordentlich hohen Wahlbeteiligung von mehr als 93% war die Wahl eine Volksabstimmung für die rasche Einführung der D-Mark und die Deutsche Einheit, die nun in weniger als sieben Monaten vollzogen wurde.
Voraussetzung dafür war der Aufbau demokratischer, föderaler und rechtsstaatlicher Strukturen. Mit dem Beitritt zur Bundesrepublik nach Artikel 23 des Grundgesetzes am 3. Oktober 1990 war Deutschland wiedervereinigt.
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Foto: Johannes Beleites
March 7, 1990
Monday demonstrations become election rallies - first free parliamentary election
"Free elections" was one of the key demands of the demonstrators. Already in March 1990 the first free parliamentary elections were to be held in the GDR.
In the spring of 1990, the character of the Monday demonstrations changed significantly. They now became increasingly shaped by the election campaign. Tens of thousands also attended the election rallies, at which well-known West German politicians appeared in support of their respective partner parties.
The parliamentary elections on March 18, 1990, ended with a decisive victory for the "Alliance for Germany.” With an extremely high turnout of more than 93%, the election was a referendum for the rapid introduction of the D-Mark and German reunification, which would now be completed in less than seven months.
A prerequisite for that was the establishment of democratic, federal and constitutional structures. With the GDR's accession to the Federal Republic according to Article 23 of the constitution ("Grundgesetz") on October 3, 1990, Germany was reunified. This was an important step towards European unity.
photo:
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
2. Freie Wahlen / Free Elections Marker
The view of the marker looking south toward the New Augusteum – Auditorium Maximum.
Erected by Stadt Leipzig and Freistaat Sachsen. (Marker Number 20.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is March 7, 1990.
Location. 51° 20.4′ N, 12° 22.829′ E. Marker is in Leipzig, Sachsen (Saxony). It is in Mitte. It is on Goethestraße just north of Grimmaische Str., on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Augustuspl 12, Leipzig SN 04109, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tympanon-Fries des Leipziger Neuen Theaters / Tympanum Frieze of Leipzig's New Theater (a few steps from this marker); Zum Gedenken an die Familie Bamberger / In Memory of the Bamberger Family (within shouting distance of this marker); 40. Jahrestag der DDR / 40th anniversary of the GDR (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Oper Leipzig / Leipzig Opera House (about 90 meters away); Bursa Bavarica / Bavarian Residence Hall (about 90 meters away); Allgemeiner Deutscher Frauenverein / General German Women's Association (about 90 meters away); Christian Fürchtegott Gellert (about 90 meters away); Universitätskirche St. Pauli / St. Paul's University Church (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leipzig.
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
3. Freie Wahlen / Free Elections Marker
The view of the marker near the Leipzig Opera.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 16, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
