Interview with Christoph Magirius, honorary citizen of Chemnitz
from the brochure "Two names one city"
Tracing the renaming of Karl-Marx-Stadt to Chemnitz
What motivated people to stand up together in 1989?
We had no room to manoeuvre, no freedom. The whole world went out into the world and we didn't.
But there was also no argumentation as to why that was the case. Nobody talked to the people. And in 1989, people said: we can't live here any more, we don't want to be part of this any more. Everyone was deeply inspired and said: I want to travel, I want to speak my mind, I want to move wherever I want.
There was an incredible amount of pressure on the country.
What role did the church play in this process in Karl-Marx-Stadt?
The church was a shelter for many people, we were independent. Our peace work played a major role in the march towards 1989.
Were you afraid?
Yes, I was. I was public enemy number one. But you also have to say: we were actually doing well in the church. We had a certain amount of protection.
And then October came.
Yes, it became clear that there had to be a dialogue. People have to be given the chance to finally say what they want. And the state representatives must face up to this. We had talks every day in St John's Church. There was an expectation that something had to happen now. Then on 7 October there was the silent march and it escalated. The courage increased. Now it was ripe.
You played a key role in the negotiations, including at the round table. Why was that?
It was very important to me that things went well. I was a mediator and was sometimes able to intercept escalating issues. But many others worked just as hard.
Including the initiative that campaigned for the renaming of the city. Did you realise that?
Yes, that was important. Many people could identify with it. I also voted in favour of Chemnitz. It was crystal clear to me that you have to face up to the history of a city that goes back centuries.