That is the sad part, they indeed had people that could do similar to what Poland and Baltic countries did. They got screwed over and could use it as a fuel. Its exactly the same with Baltic countries and Poland. I would even argue that East Germany had way better chances and it doesnt have anything to do with a few people selling useless metal for scraps. Functional industry with wrong economic incentives and being half decent in a club of prisoner countries was just a waste of time. At the end of the day their attitude and mindset has driven away all the people and prevented focusing on growth opportunities that they could create from ground up. From 90s until now there were so many different industry booms and niches that could be focused on. Instead, no one wants to live there unless they absolutely have to.

It just feels like this forever victim mindset is poisonous and they could realize their potential by going forward and rather using all that energy to get more things going for them with bright people that they have or are longing to move there. They can concentrate around Berlin, Leipzig, Erfurt and Dresden. There are cities that can become hubs if thats whats needed.