Germany's Unity Day: 36 Years On, East-West Divides Linger

Germany is marking Unity Day, commemorating the reunification of East and West in 1990. However, more than three decades later, significant differences in wealth, wages, and political attitudes persist between the two regions. The strong performance of the AfD and other protest parties in eastern Germany has renewed questions about whether the country is truly united. The economic gap remains a contentious issue, with eastern states generally lagging behind their western counterparts in terms of income and job opportunities. This disparity has fueled political discontent and contributed to the rise of populist movements in the east. As Germany reflects on its shared history, many are asking whether reunification is complete. The ongoing divides suggest that the process of bringing the two halves together is far from over, and the country continues to grapple with the legacy of its division.