Musikviertel in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany — Central Europe
Erste genehmigte Kundgebung des Neuen Forums
Orte der Friedlichen Revolution
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First approved rally of the New Forum
Sites of the Peaceful Revolution
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Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
1. Erste genehmigte Kundgebung des Neuen Forums / First approved rally of the New Forum Marker
18. November 1989
Erste genehmigte Kundgebung des Neuen Forums
Der Ruf der Montagsdemonstranten „Neues Forum zulassen“ stand für die Kernforderung, demokratische Strukturen in der DDR einzuführen. Am 8. November 1989 musste sich die SED dem Druck der Straße beugen und legalisierte das Neue Forum. Wenig später folgten der Demokratische Aufbruch, Demokratie Jetzt, die Sozialdemokratische Partei und viele andere. Damit stand dem Blockparteiensystem der SED erstmals eine rechtmäßige Opposition gegenüber.
Bereits am 18. November 1989 veranstaltete das Neue Forum auf dem heutigen Simsonplatz die erste genehmigte Protestkundgebung in Leipzig. Weit über 10.000 Personen aus verschiedenen Bezirken folgten dem Aufruf.
Die in den Reden vorgetragenen Forderungen gingen von weitreichenden Reformen des Sozialismus bis hin zur Kontrolle oder sogar Auflösung der Staatssicherheit. Die Kundgebung dauerte über drei Stunden bei Sonnenschein, aber eisiger Kälte harrten die Teilnehmer aus.
Die Veranstaltung war bewusst als offenes Forum organisiert. Redner aus verschiedenen politischen Richtungen waren geladen.
Foto: Fritz Cahlbeck (MRE)
November 18, 1989
First approved rally of the New Forum
The call of the Monday demonstrators "Allow New Forum" stood for the core demand to introduce democratic structures in the GDR. On November 8, 1989, the SED had to bow to the pressure of the street and legalized the New Forum, which was followed shortly afterwards by the groupings Democratic Awakening,
this page online
Already on November 18, 1989, the New Forum organized the first approved protest rally in Leipzig in today's Simsonplatz. Well over 10,000 people from various districts responded to the call.
The arguments in the speeches covered topics from far-reaching reforms of socialism to control or even abolition of the Stasi (State Security). The rally lasted about three hours during which despite the sunshine the participants endured the bitter cold.
The event was deliberately organized as an open forum. Speakers from different political persuasions were invited.
Photo: Fritz Cahlbeck (MRE)
Erected by Stadt Leipzig and Freistaat Sachsen. (Marker Number 17.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is November 18, 1989.
Location. 51° 20.041′ N, 12° 22.212′ E. Marker is in Leipzig, Sachsen (Saxony). It is in Musikviertel. It is at the intersection of Harkortstraße and Simsonpl. on Harkortstraße. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Harkortstraße 1, Leipzig SN 04107, 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: Runde Tische / Round tables (about 240 meters away, measured in a direct line); Neues Rathaus / New Town Hall (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Theodor Körner (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Leipzig Disputation (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Christian Friedrich Henrici (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Max Klinger (approx. half a kilometer away); Dr. Käthe Windscheid (approx. half a kilometer
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
2. Erste genehmigte Kundgebung des Neuen Forums / First approved rally of the New Forum Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
3. Erste genehmigte Kundgebung des Neuen Forums / First approved rally of the New Forum Marker
The view of the marker looking toward the west.
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
4. Erste genehmigte Kundgebung des Neuen Forums / First approved rally of the New Forum Marker
The view of the Federal Administrative Court building near the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 29, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
