Revolutionsspaziergang zum DDR-Volksaufstand 1953

June 17, 1953: In more than 700 cities and towns, over one million citizens took to the streets, including 40,000 residents of Leipzig. 
Workers from several construction sites and industrial plants marched into downtown Leipzig that morning. Just a few hours later, tens of thousands of people were marching through the city center. 

They advocated for better living conditions, free elections, and German reunification, and protested against the ruthless implementation of socialism.
After a peaceful start to these demonstrations, the day was dominated by a state of emergency enforced with armed violence. Fifty-five people were killed or sentenced to death by the GDR judiciary, and more than 15,000 citizens were imprisoned. 
The SED regime crushed any hope for positive change. 

In commemoration of this day, our Member of the Bundestag, Dr. Paula Piechotta, cordially invites you to join a walking tour tracing the history of the 1953 popular uprising.
The walk will be led by journalist Pierre Gehmlich, a contributor to the podcast “Wir sind das Volk.” 

We’ll meet onSaturday, August 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. in front of the PAULINUM (Augustusplatz 10). 
The walk will lastapproximately 1.5 hours.

We look forward to seeing you there.No registration is required.