Never forget negative aspects of German reunification, says Scholz

Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned German citizens never to forget the negative consequences of reunification for some of the people in the former East Germany.

"For millions of East Germans, the upheaval back then meant liberation and a new beginning. But for millions, the upheaval in the years following reunification meant one thing above all: a collapse," he said as the nation marks reunification, with this year's main event staged in the northern city of Schwerin.

For many, their entire lives had collapsed, which was "a devaluation of their knowledge, their experiences, their life's work," Scholz pointed out.

This is also part of Germany's history since 1990, he said. "This must never be forgotten or swept under the carpet."