German states launch democracy initiatives in schools ahead of eastern elections

Eastern German states are implementing educational and cultural measures to counter growing far-right sentiment ahead of upcoming regional elections. Educators in several eastern schools report an increase in right-wing extremist symbols and behavior among students.

In response, Thuringia’s education ministry is partnering with the University of Jena to deploy "constitutional coaches" into classrooms to bolster democratic values and assist teachers. Additionally, Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for victims of the SED dictatorship, advocated for mandatory school visits to former East German memorial sites to deepen historical awareness.

The debate extends to regional cultural policy. In Saxony-Anhalt, where the Alternative for Germany (AfD) leads election polls, party proposals to defund programs classified as anti-German have raised concerns among cultural institutions, including Bauhaus historical sites, Holocaust memorials, and local theaters.

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