Former civil rights activist Roland Jahn and photographer Andreas Rost both played a role in the resistance and fall of the Berlin Wall. Thirty years later, they recall some of the crucial moments from a period in recent German history that was characterized by both unity and division.

As the 30th anniversary of the fall of Berlin Wall approaches, this report takes stock of how far Germany has come, and what still needs to be done. Emphasizing the importance of transparency and freedom of speech has helped reunite the nation – but other divides have also emerged.

Jan Böhmermann and his team from the late-night show Neo Magazin Royale went to Dresden to understand why right-wing populism finds so much acceptance there. Together with Ralf Kabelka, Moritz Neumeier, and the audience in the Staatsoperette Dresden, he dedicates the show to the question of whether it is helpful or counterproductive to make them the subject of his jokes again and again. Here in the first part, you'll learn about the motives and conditions of the following discussion.

A member of the audience discusses differences in anti-immigrant sentiment in Bavaria and Saxony, and in rural and urban communities.

The panel discusses the possibility that AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) supporters are not always opposed to immigrants, but may be voting for the far right for other reasons. They continue to consider what the role of comedy is in all of this.

The panelists talk more about stereotypes of eastern and western regions of Germany and what motivates people to join the AfD. One audience member reminds the group that actions speak louder than words.

Audience members talk about a recent demonstration and how reactions to populist movements have changed in cities such as Dresden.

The panel talks about how the infrastructure in Germany may contribute to the rise of far right sentiment in the eastern part of the country.

Jan Böhmermann and his peers discuss freedom of expression, recent changes in the way the press is viewed, and the effect this has on satirists and comedians who deal with current events.

Two members of the audience discuss perceptions of democracy and political engagement in Germany, while Jan Böhmermann considers how the meanings behind certain political terminology are shifting. They are grateful for the fact that the ZDF network has put a spotlight on Saxonians who are against far-right extremism in Germany.

Determined to hear from anyone who has a question or comment, the panel members continue to call on audience members. One person points out that the problem of right-wing extremism is hardly confined to Germany, and that age has a lot to do with the perception of immigration as a threat rather than something that benefits society.

This segment begins with a discussion about generational differences, and then continues on to an exploration of the roles and responsibilities of the government and of the people.

Jan Böhmermann and the panel discuss to what extent people really live in "filter bubbles" in which they only hear political perspectives that reinforce their own ideas. He thinks it's not as big of a threat as people believe.

In this final segment, Jan Böhmermann and the rest of the panel talk about to what extent jokes can be made about certain groups. Are there times when they create actual stereotypes and thus become harmful?

Angela Merkel made a speech in the German Parliament regarding Great Britain's vote to cease to belong to the European Union, making it clear that there are many guidelines, as well as a timeline, that need to be followed. You can read the full text here.
Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]