Eastern German states boost civics initiatives amid far-right concerns

Eastern German state governments and federal officials are implementing measures to counter political extremism in schools ahead of upcoming regional elections. Thuringia's education ministry announced a partnership with the University of Jena to deploy "constitutional coaches" to schools to assist teachers in addressing anti-democratic tendencies.

The initiative follows warnings from educators who reported an increase in far-right symbols, Hitler salutes, and nationalist songs among students. Meanwhile, Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for SED victims, called for mandatory student visits to East German memorial sites to deepen historical awareness.

Concurrently, cultural policy has become a key campaign issue. In Saxony-Anhalt, the Alternative for Germany party has proposed cutting funding for cultural programs it deems "anti-German," raising concerns among local theaters and memorial sites.

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