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East Germany GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
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
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