Eastern German schools and cultural institutions face rising political pressure

Educational and cultural policy has emerged as a key focal point in eastern Germany ahead of upcoming state elections. Teachers across the region report a visible rise in far-right behavior among students, including the use of unconstitutional symbols and slogans. In response, Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for victims of the SED dictatorship, advocated for compulsory student visits to former East German memorial sites to strengthen historical awareness.

Simultaneously, cultural institutions face uncertainty as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party proposed defunding programs in Saxony-Anhalt that it considers "anti-German." The move has raised concern among Holocaust memorials and regional theaters. Meanwhile, administrative challenges persist in Berlin, where nearly 400 public school educators have been absent on long-term sick leave for over a year.

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