|
|
Article: Soul-searching at 40. (East Germany) (editorial)
- Article from:
- The Economist (US)
- Article date:
- October 7, 1989
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1989 Economist Newspaper Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Soul-searching at 40
Responding to East Germans' calls for reform can only intensify their country's identity crisis
EVEN East Germany's thick-skinned gerontocrats must by now have got the message. Just as they were preparing to celebrate their country's 40th birthday party, they have been rocked by demonstrations at home and an exodus of mainly young people abroad--first by carload and busload via Hungary, now by trainload via the West German embassy in Prague. The message is that it is time to change. This weekend's party, planned as a self-satisfied celebration, is really for soul-searching: can a new life begin at 40?
For two good reasons, ...