 In November 1948, the German Economic Commission ("Deutsche Wirtschaftskomission"—DWK), including antifascist bloc representation, assumed administrative authority.Five months after declaration of the western "Federal Republic of Germany" (better known as West Germany), on October 7, 1949, the DWK formed a provisional government and proclaimed establishment of the "German Democratic Republic" (East Germany).Wilhelm Pieck, a party leader, was elected first president.