Eastern German elections spark debate over school culture, historical memory and state funding

Ahead of upcoming regional elections in eastern Germany, concerns are growing over education, historical awareness, and political culture. Teachers in eastern states report an increase in far-right symbols and behavior among students, prompting calls for stronger democratic education. Simultaneously, the federal commissioner for victims of the communist dictatorship, Evelyn Zupke, has proposed mandatory school trips to former East German memorial sites to address gaps in historical knowledge.

Political tension is also escalating in Saxony-Anhalt, where the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has proposed defunding cultural institutions and projects it deems "anti-German," raising alarm over local heritage and the arts. Meanwhile, identity debates continue to figure prominently in eastern state election campaigns. Separately, Berlin’s public education system is facing staffing strains, as Senate figures indicate nearly 400 teachers have been on continuous sick leave for more than a year.

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