German political debate intensifies over education, cultural policy and regional identity

German educational and cultural policies have come under scrutiny ahead of upcoming eastern state elections. Teachers in eastern states report rising far-right sentiment and prohibited symbols among students, prompting calls for stronger democratic education. Federal commissioner for SED victims Evelyn Zupke advocated for mandatory student visits to DDR memorial sites to improve historical awareness.

Concurrently, cultural policy has emerged as a major campaign issue. In Saxony-Anhalt, the Alternative for Germany party proposed cutting public funding for cultural initiatives and memorials it considers "anti-German." Meanwhile, administrative figures in Berlin show nearly 400 public school teachers have been on continuous sick leave for more than a year, adding pressure to an already strained education system.

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