Federal Education Minister warns of federal action if AfD reshapes Saxony-Anhalt schools

Federal Education Minister Karin Prien cautioned that the federal government would step in if an AfD-led administration in Saxony-Anhalt attempts a radical redesign of its education system that violates the constitution, especially the principle of equal treatment. She explained that numerous state education programmes are financed with federal funds, and non-compliance could lead to the withdrawal of those funds and legal action.

Prien added that the federal authorities could even refuse to recognise Saxony-Anhalt’s Abitur and other qualifications in other German states. The AfD’s regional election programme proposes replacing compulsory school attendance with a general education duty, allowing alternatives such as homeschooling, and ending inclusive classes for non-German-speaking children. Prien invoked Germany’s historical experience, warning that extremist parties often target culture and education to spread their ideology.