Eastern German states tackle extremism and regional identity ahead of elections

Ahead of upcoming state elections in eastern Germany, debates over political identity, historical memory, and classroom extremism are intensifying. Teachers in the region report a rise in far-right rhetoric and symbols among students. In response, Thuringia's education ministry is partnering with the University of Jena to deploy "constitutional coaches" to support democratic values in schools.

Concurrently, Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for victims of the communist SED dictatorship, recommended mandatory student visits to East German memorial sites to deepen historical knowledge. Cultural policy has also become a central political topic after the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt proposed defunding cultural initiatives deemed "anti-German," raising concerns over the impact on regional theaters, Holocaust memorials, and Bauhaus sites.

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