A leader of the officially recognized Liberal Democratic Party said the "political structure no longer corresponds to the will of the people" or they "wouldn't be taking to the streets and there wouldn't be movements like Neues Forum [New Forum] and Demokratie Jetzt [Democracy Now]."
Manfred Bogisch suggested in a commentary in his party newspaper, Der Morgen, that the Communist Party's leading role should be earned, not dictated.
Bogisch said communism was not an issue, but the Communist Party leadership's policies were "now a matter of debate."
"Those who were responsible for the stagnation will have to take responsibility for it," he declared.
The Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of efforts to create more political pluralism within the system.
Under East Germany's constitution, all recognized political parties are aligned with the Communist Party. The Liberal Democrats have said parties should have more independence.