(MENAFN) More than 30 years have passed since Germany reunited in 1990, yet the legacy of division remains evident. While many adults today have no direct memory of the Cold War, the Day of German Unity this year highlighted lingering differences between former East and West regions.

Bodo Ramelow, vice president of the German parliament and a native of the former East, sparked controversy by noting that East and West Germans remain estranged. Ramelow even suggested that Germany needs a new flag and national anthem, arguing that too many in the East still do not identify with the current symbols, which originated in the West. Another former East German cabinet minister noted that discussions about East and West are intensifying again. Even mainstream media acknowledge that “the process of re-unification remains incomplete.”

Economic disparities persist, with full-time workers in the East earning nearly €1,000—or roughly 17 percent—less than those in the West. Youth unemployment remains higher in eastern regions, with some areas reaching about 13 percent. Yet, polls reveal that life satisfaction remains relatively high in the East, even in places where residents believe life is better elsewhere.

The differences between East and West largely reflect historical economic imbalances, which have gradually been narrowing over time. Analysts suggest that feelings of estrangement stem not only from economic factors but also from the perception that West Germans made the majority of decisions in the early years of reunification. Overpromises of quick integration by former Chancellor Helmut Kohl may have further fueled resentment.

Beyond economics, political dynamics now drive much of the East-West divide. The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has found strong support in the former East, forming a clear electoral stronghold. Mainstream parties have sought to limit AfD influence through a so-called “firewall” strategy, preventing it from joining government coalitions even when its vote share would normally entitle it to representation. This policy has led many East Germans to feel that their votes are treated as second-class, fostering political disaffection.

Interestingly, the AfD has aligned tactically with the new-left BSW party, supporting calls for a recount of votes, highlighting shared experiences of marginalization. Both parties draw significant support from former East German regions, and restrictions on their parliamentary participation are seen by some as de facto discrimination against voters in these areas.

Critics argue that the East-West political rift is not a relic of the Cold War but a result of contemporary policies that undermine the democratic influence of certain voters. While economic disparities are gradually narrowing, current political strategies continue to fuel regional resentment, leaving former East Germans feeling sidelined in the country’s democratic processes.

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