As part of the cultural agreement, the two German states arrange intensive cultural cooperation on some 100 projects for the years 1988 and 1989.
17 November
1987
The SED Politburo discusses a prognosis by the Planning Commission that predicts a rise of three million in the GDR’s Western debt in 1988, despite all plans to lower it; however, it says, this increase in debt can no longer be financed.
"This is not the way to manage money," Honecker scolds. "It is irresponsible towards our Republic and completely incomprehensible." Defence Minister Kessler does not understand his own comrades any more either. On 17 November 1987, he remarks with military terseness in the Politburo: "If it is true" that things are considered incontrollable, "we would have to stop."less
25 November
1987
After the GDR State Security searches rooms in the Environmental Library of Berlin’s Zion Church, several staff members of the library are arrested. In the days that follow, vigils and church services are held to show solidarity. Those arrested are released.
