Eastern German states tackle far-right influence in schools ahead of elections

Ahead of upcoming regional elections in eastern Germany, concerns are rising over anti-democratic behavior in schools and political pressure on cultural institutions. Teachers across eastern states report an increase in far-right symbols among students, including swastikas and Nazi salutes, prompting new civic education measures.

In response, Thuringia's education ministry announced a partnership with the University of Jena to send "constitutional coaches" into classrooms to help schools reinforce democratic values. Meanwhile, Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for SED dictatorship victims, advocated for mandatory student visits to East German memorial sites to deepen historical awareness.

Concurrently, political tensions are mounting as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Saxony-Anhalt proposed cutting state funding for cultural institutions deemed "anti-German," drawing concern over potential financial impacts on Holocaust memorials, local theaters, and Bauhaus heritage sites.

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