Originally Posted by
sheikhthecamel
Another factor to consider is that re-unification is only a generation behind us. Eastern Germans over 50 may still have some empathy for Russia. Many of these were taught Russian in school and grew up under the influence of Russian culture, so there remain historical ties (social, political economic....) that influence their thinking and their political vote...
My wife speaks Russian. She was taught it at school in the DDR. She does have a deep hatred for the Russian government though.