Debates on identity, education, and culture intensify ahead of eastern German elections

Ahead of regional elections in eastern Germany, debates surrounding political identity, history, and education are intensifying across multiple states. Educators report a rise in far-right symbols and extremist rhetoric in schools, prompting Thuringia's education ministry and the University of Jena to deploy "constitutional coaches" to foster democratic values. Meanwhile, Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for victims of the SED dictatorship, advocated for mandatory school visits to East German memorial sites to deepen historical knowledge.

Concurrently, cultural policy has become a major campaign focal point. In Saxony-Anhalt, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party proposed defunding cultural projects deemed "anti-German," sparking concerns over potential impacts on Bauhaus sites, Holocaust memorials, and regional performing arts institutions.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Spiegel, DW, FAZ, Tagesschau.