Eastern German schools and cultural sector face rising political pressure

Educational and cultural institutions in eastern Germany are facing growing political and operational challenges ahead of upcoming regional elections.

Teachers in eastern states report increasing far-right activity among students, including the display of unconstitutional symbols and songs. In response to gaps in historical awareness, Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for SED dictatorship victims, called for mandatory school visits to East German memorial sites.

At the same time, cultural policy has become a focal point in campaign debates. In Saxony-Anhalt, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party proposed stripping state funding from institutions it deems "anti-German," raising concerns about future support for Holocaust memorials and cultural centers. Meanwhile, administrative pressure persists in Berlin, where nearly 400 public school teachers have remained on sick leave for more than a year.

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