In the article we analyze the reasons and a process of struggle for power into the head of the SED (1965-1971) between Walter Ulbricht and Erich Honecker. The role of the Soviet Union in change of the leader of GDR is given in details. There is a conclusion that Honecker's victory showed the end of alternation of generations in management of the SED as it was in other communist parties of the East Europe. From the end of 1950s occurred slow, but distinct changes in a social structure and in political style of heads of "working class party". "The old guards" which began political activity in the 20th and 30th years, conceded key positions to young functionaries who received the control over mechanisms of state. Instead of "revolutionaries" "bureaucrats" went. Honecker was their typical representative.