This project has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme
(Grant Agreement n. 669194)
(Golzern, 13/5/1931)
Head - Department of Planning and Finance (1974-1989)Member - Extended "Small Circle" (1974-1989)
Member - Working Group Balance of Payments (1976-1989)
As head of the SED’s Department of Planning and Finance, Günter Ehrensperger, was the party’s counterpart of the head of the East German State Planning Commission. However, the actual economic planning was carried out by the State Planning Commission. As a member of the Working Group Balance of Payments and the extended “Small Circle”, he was aware of the economic and financial situation of the GDR. However, within those economic decision-making bodies he did not propose any changes or reforms. Yet, sources from the Ministry of State Security reveal that he was highly critical of the economic policy and the responsible Economic Secretary Günter Mittag. Without much influence on the economic course of the GDR he belonged to those economic experts who shared a fatalistic view of the economic prospects of East Germany.
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As head of the Department (XVIII) of the Ministry of State Security he oversaw the work of experts like Horst Roigk and forwarded it to his superiors. His department provided unfiltered expertise on the East German economy and advocated to red... |
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As Deputy Chairman of the East German State Planning Commission Heinz Klopfer collaborated closely with the head of the State Planning Commission, Gerhard Schürer. He attended the meetings of the extended “Small Circle” and of... |
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As Chairman of the East German State Planning Commission Gerhard Schürer was always part of the inner circle of the GDR’s economic elite. However, his power was limited and Honecker never promoted him to membership in the Politburo.... |
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Günter Mittag was the economic mastermind of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany. Within the provisions set by Erich Honecker he executed control over the East German economy. He served as Secretary of the Central Committee for Economics... |
