Eastern Germany faces escalating debates over history, far-right influences and cultural policy

Tensions over regional identity and history are rising in eastern Germany ahead of upcoming state elections. Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for victims of the communist SED regime, called for mandatory student visits to memorial sites, arguing that youth lack sufficient awareness of East German history. At the same time, educators in eastern states report an alarming increase in far-right symbols, extremist songs, and intimidation in classrooms.

Cultural policy has also become a focal point, as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) proposes cutting public funds for cultural institutions deemed "anti-German," sparking fears for local theaters and Holocaust memorials. Meanwhile, in Berlin, administrative pressure remains high as nearly 400 public school teachers have been on sick leave for over a year.

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