German education and cultural policies face scrutiny ahead of eastern state elections

Political and educational debates are intensifying in Germany ahead of upcoming state elections in the east. In eastern schools, educators report rising far-right behavior among students, including the use of prohibited symbols. To address gaps in historical awareness regarding former East Germany, federal commissioner for SED victims Evelyn Zupke advocated for mandatory student visits to DDR memorial sites.

Simultaneously, cultural policy has become a key campaign topic. The Alternative for Germany party in Saxony-Anhalt has proposed defunding cultural programs and institutions it considers "anti-German," targeting memorial sites and local theaters. Meanwhile, in Berlin, administrative records reveal that nearly 400 public school teachers have been on continuous sick leave for over a year, worsening existing staffing challenges.

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