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Schwerin 1990: Citizens fight against ailing reality and hopes!
Learn how Schwerin battled challenges in 1990 as it fought for capital city status and better living conditions.
Schwerin 1990: Citizens fight against ailing reality and hopes!
In Schwerin, the shimmering pearl of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, visible on July 16, 2025, the challenges are bubbling beneath the surface. The city is struggling with the aftermath of the opening of the border in 1990, when hopes for a better life in the new federal states contrast with the dreary everyday reality. coolis.de describes how citizens complain about environmental problems while the official authorities do not want to detect smog. Outdated garbage trucks and a broken health system make life in the capital difficult.
The city is also plagued by a catastrophic housing situation. Despite empty apartments, they are declared as occupied, which forces many residents into overcrowded conditions. There is an urgent need for personal initiative in housing construction; However, not only are materials missing, but bureaucratic hurdles are also preventing rapid action. The healthcare system is also suffering: long waiting times and inadequate facilities are major problems, and many people are forced to leave Schwerin in search of better conditions.
Battle for the capital
In the same year, 1990, Schwerin experienced another turning point. In the vote on October 27, the city was elected the new state capital of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with 40 votes, while Rostock, which had previously applied to become the capital, only received 25 votes. ndr.de emphasizes that this decision was accompanied by emotional discussions and protests. Historical references from Schwerin's 800-year tradition played a decisive role in the decision-making process. Georg Diederich from the CDU in particular campaigned for the capital city idea and mobilized votes from Neubrandenburg, which turned the tide for Schwerin.
In addition, flower arranger Bertha Klingberg collected an impressive 17,000 signatures in support of Schwerin's application. Schwerin Castle was seen as an attractive location for the state parliament and was described by Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker as one of the most beautiful state parliament seats in Germany - in this restaurant politics can come to the boil again.
The role of urban development
The complex challenges facing Schwerin will not go unnoticed. bmwsb.de emphasizes the importance of integrated urban development. This aims to promote sustainable solutions and develop new ideas in urban projects. There is now greater focus on the need to improve quality of life. Support from the National Urban Development Policy (NSp) is essential because it promotes initiatives and enables pilot projects to test new approaches.
Overall, Schwerin is at a crucial point in its development. As the city grapples with challenges, hope for change, supported by community and strategic initiatives, remains. Only time will tell whether the measures that have now been taken are sufficient to create the long-awaited new life in Schwerin.