East Germany Table of Contents
Politics: Monopolized by Socialist Unity Party of Germany (Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands--SED), the communist party. General Secretary Erich Honecker also chairman of Council of State. Four other parties allowed to exist under SED domination; no opposition allowed SED politics closely tied to Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
Government: Constitution of 1968, substantially amended in 1974 Legislature (People's Chamber) meets infrequently; Council of State and Council of Ministers principal government bodies. Important posts occupied by high-ranking SED members.
Foreign Relations: Diplomatic relations with most countries. Closely allied with Soviet Union in international affairs. Relations with United States since 1974.
International Agreements: Active participation in Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (Comecon), Warsaw Pact, and United Nations. Signatory to Helsinki Accords and Mutual and Balanced Force Reduction Agreement.
Data as of July 1987