Freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are basic rights in Germany. Anyone can freely express their opinions, including during demonstrations. That wasn't the case before 1989 in East Germany, the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). Criticizing the state wasn't tolerated. It's quite amazing that the most important demonstrations in German history occurred there. Starting in 1981, prayers for peace were held regularly on Mondays at St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig. Following the prayers in early September 1989, 100 people peacefully protested against the GDR dictatorship. A week later, some of them were arrested. But that didn't stop 5,000 people from continuing to demonstrate after Monday prayers.

In October 1989, when the GDR was about to commemorate its 40th anniversary, people throughout the country were already demonstrating against the government. The protests were broken up by force and many people were arrested. Just two days later, on Monday, October 9, more than 70,000 people gathered for what had become known as the Montagsdemo, or Monday demonstration, in Leipzig. Surrounded by tanks and troops with machine guns, they marched through the city chanting "Wir sind das Volk," which means "We are the people." This paved the way for a new beginning and the peaceful downfall of the dictatorship. Since then, many social and political movements in Germany have alluded to the narrative of the Monday demonstrations. These days, there are even right-wing populist protesters who use the term "Monday demonstration" and have appropriated the "We are the people" chant.