Saxony Declares May 8th a Memorial Day in Historic CDU-Left Party Collaboration

The CDU-SPD minority government backed the Left Party's proposal, marking a political shift and emphasizing the importance of historical remembrance.

The Saxon state parliament officially passed a law designating May 8th as a memorial day to commemorate the liberation from National Socialism and the end of World War II in Europe.
This marks the first time since German reunification that the CDU in Saxony has supported a legislative proposal from the Left Party, breaking a long-standing political taboo.
The CDU-SPD minority government required opposition support, including from the Left Party, to pass the legislation due to its lack of a parliamentary majority.
Amendments proposed by the AfD, seeking recognition of German war victims, and the BSW, advocating for a 'Mahnung für Frieden' title addition, were both rejected.
The memorial day will not be a public holiday but reflects a broader commitment to preserving democratic values and confronting historical memory.