Eastern German states counter far-right influence through education and cultural policies

Eastern German states are adopting educational and cultural strategies to address growing right-wing extremism among youth and protect democratic institutions ahead of regional elections. Educators in the region report an increase in far-right symbols and anti-democratic behavior in schools.

In response, Thuringia's education ministry is partnering with the University of Jena to introduce "constitutional coaches" to assist teachers in promoting democratic values. Meanwhile, Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for victims of the SED dictatorship, called for mandatory student visits to former East German memorial sites to strengthen historical education.

In Saxony-Anhalt, political debate surrounds proposals from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which leads election polls, to strip funding from cultural initiatives deemed "anti-German." Critics warn such moves could target Bauhaus sites, Holocaust memorials, and local theaters.

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