German Bundestag Publishes Comprehensive Response to Inquiry on Colonial Past
Berlin, Germany – August 14, 2025 – The German Bundestag today released Drucksache 21/1238, a detailed official response to the Kleine Anfrage (Minor Interpellation) documented in Drucksache 21/845, concerning the ongoing efforts to address and come to terms with Germany’s colonial past. The publication, available as a PDF, signifies a significant step in the parliamentary discourse surrounding historical responsibility and reconciliation.
Drucksache 21/1238, published precisely at 10:00 AM on August 14, 2025, provides an extensive reply from the relevant governmental bodies to the questions posed in the initial inquiry. While the exact content of Drucksache 21/845 is not detailed here, it is understood to have sought clarification on various aspects of Germany’s colonial history, including restitution, cultural heritage, educational initiatives, and diplomatic engagements with former colonies.
The release of this comprehensive answer underscores the German government’s commitment to transparency and accountability regarding its colonial legacy. It is expected to shed light on the current status of ongoing projects, policy developments, and future strategies aimed at acknowledging the injustices perpetrated during the colonial era and fostering a more equitable relationship with nations affected by German colonialism.
Parliamentarians and the public will be keen to examine the details within Drucksache 21/1238 to understand the government’s perspective on critical issues such as:
- Restitution and Repatriation: Information regarding the progress and challenges in returning cultural artifacts and human remains to their countries of origin.
- Educational Programs: Updates on initiatives designed to integrate a more critical understanding of colonialism into educational curricula across Germany.
- Development Cooperation and Partnerships: Details on how current development aid and partnerships are shaped by the historical context of colonialism and aim to support sustainable development in former colonial territories.
- Public Discourse and Memorialization: Insights into efforts to engage the public in dialogue about the colonial past and to commemorate its victims.
- International Cooperation: An overview of Germany’s engagement with international partners and multilateral organizations on issues related to colonial history and its ongoing consequences.
The publication of Drucksache 21/1238 is a timely event, occurring within a broader global movement to confront colonial histories and their lasting impacts. It is anticipated that this document will serve as a valuable resource for ongoing parliamentary debate, academic research, and public engagement, contributing to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Germany’s colonial past and its implications for the present and future.
The Bundestag, through this detailed response, is facilitating an important national conversation, aiming to foster a more informed and responsible approach to addressing historical injustices and building respectful relationships with the international community.
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Drucksachen published ’21/1238: Antwort auf die Kleine Anfrage – Drucksache 21/845 – Aufarbeitung der deutschen Kolonialvergangenheit (PDF)’ at 2025-08-14 10:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.