Eastern German election debates focus on education and cultural policy

Ahead of upcoming regional elections in eastern Germany, debates over political identity, education, and cultural policy have intensified across the country. In eastern classrooms, educators report a rise in far-right behavior among students, including prohibited symbols and extremist songs. To counter historical knowledge gaps, Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for SED dictatorship victims, recommended mandatory student visits to East German memorial sites.

In Saxony-Anhalt, where the Alternative for Germany (AfD) leads in opinion polls, the party proposed defunding cultural initiatives it considers "anti-German," prompting criticism from arts and heritage groups. Meanwhile, Berlin's school system faces administrative pressure as nearly 400 teachers remain on long-term sick leave for over a year.

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