Erich Honecker
Erich Honecker was a prominent East German politician who served as the General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party and the de facto leader of East Germany from 1971 until shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. His leadership was marked by a strict adherence to Soviet-style communism and a repressive regime that suppressed dissent. Honecker's government faced increasing criticism for its human rights abuses and economic failures, leading to widespread protests in the late 1980s. Following the reunification of Germany, Honecker was charged with crimes related to the deaths of individuals trying to escape East Germany. His legacy remains controversial, symbolizing both the rigidity of the communist state and the eventual push for reform and reunification in Germany.
Born on Aug 25, 1912 (113 years old)
Global Media Ratings
Countries Mentioned
| Country | Mentions | Sentiment | Dominance | + Persistence | x Population | = Reach | x GDP (millions) | = Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 1 | 5.00 | 0.12% | +0% | 164,689,383 | 199,141 | $350,000 | 423$ |
| Switzerland | 1 | 5.00 | 0.09% | +0% | 8,654,622 | 7,911 | $700,000 | 640$ |
| Totals | 2 | 173,344,005 | 207,052 | $1,050,000 | 1,063$ |
Interactive World Map
Each country's color is based on "Mentions" from the table above.
Recent Mentions
Switzerland:
Erich Honecker was the last leader of East Germany who was granted asylum in the Soviet Union after his regime fell.
5
Bangladesh:
Erich Honecker is cited as an example of a leader who had to flee due to public anger.
5
Australia:
Erich Honecker was the GDR leader known for the 'socialist fraternal kiss' with Leonid Brezhnev.
5
Norway:
Politician Erich Honecker is associated with the former country of East Germany.
5
Switzerland:
Erich Honecker propagated the 'class society of a new type' in East Germany.
3
Switzerland:
Erich Honecker was the General Secretary of the SED who was ousted on October 17, 1989.
3
North Macedonia:
Erich Honecker was a leader of East Germany who also signed the Helsinki Final Act.
6
Greece:
Honecker is referenced as someone who urged Gorbachev to use the army to stop the crowds during the fall of the Berlin Wall.
3
Germany:
Erich Honecker's resignation in October 1989 led to Egon Krenz becoming the chairman.
4
Luxembourg:
Erich Honecker was the SED leader who resigned on October 13, 1989.
4