Education and culture dominate political debates ahead of eastern German elections

Debates over education, historical memory, and cultural policy have intensified across eastern German states ahead of upcoming regional elections. Educators in the region have reported an increase in far-right symbols and extremist rhetoric among students. In response, Thuringia's education ministry is partnering with the University of Jena to deploy "constitutional coaches" to help schools address anti-democratic tendencies.

Concurrently, Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for victims of the communist dictatorship, advocated for mandatory school visits to East German memorial sites alongside expanded history lessons. Meanwhile, cultural policy has come under scrutiny after the Alternative for Germany (AfD) proposed cutting public funds for programs it considers "anti-German." Critics warn the proposal could jeopardize financial support for Holocaust memorials, Bauhaus sites, and local theaters in Saxony-Anhalt.

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