Interest in Stasi Files Remains Robust 35 Years After German Reunification
Interest in accessing Stasi files, the secret police of East Germany, remains robust 35 years after the country's reunification. This is evident in the high number of applications received by both the Federal Archives and regional institutions like the Stasi-Records-Archive in Suhl.
The Federal Archives, which holds the majority of Stasi files, saw a significant number of applications in the first half of 2025. A total of 16,213 individuals sought personal access to these records, archived on the internet. This figure is notable, considering the total number of applications received in the entire year of 2023 was 30,969. The year 2024 also saw a substantial number of requests, with 28,571 applications.
Meanwhile, the Stasi-Records-Archive in Suhl, working in tandem with the Thuringian State Commissioner for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship, handled the most applications for access to Stasi files outside of the Federal Archives in the first half of 2025. This institution provides citizen consultations and processes access requests, indicating a strong local interest in the region's past.
The persistent interest in Stasi files underscores the enduring desire of Germans to understand their past and the impact of the East German regime. Both the Federal Archives and regional institutions continue to play a crucial role in facilitating access to these historical records, preserved on the internet archive.
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