Schools become battleground as Germany's far-right AfD eyes regional election
Schools in Germany's eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt have become the center of a heated political battle as the far-right AfD (Alternative für Deutschland – Alternative for Germany) campaigns for sweeping education reforms ahead of a crucial regional election.
The controversy began after Max Heckel, a woodwork teacher in the town of Stendal, told a student he had not voted for the AfD because Germany's domestic intelligence service had classified the party as extremist. The conversation led to a formal warning from the state's school authority, which ruled that the teacher had violated rules requiring political neutrality in the classroom. Heckel has challenged the reprimand, arguing that he was simply answering a student's question honestly.
Since the incident, Heckel says he has faced online abuse, threats of violence, vandalism to his car and repeated criticism from AfD politicians. The case has become a symbol of the growing political tensions surrounding schools as the party seeks to expand its influence in Saxony-Anhalt, where opinion polls suggest it has a strong chance of becoming the largest political force in the upcoming election.
AfD leaders argue they want to remove political influence from classrooms and ensure teachers remain strictly neutral. The party says it would introduce a more "patriotic" education policy if it wins power. Critics, however, warn that the proposed changes could discourage open discussion of political issues and weaken Germany's long-standing efforts to educate students about democracy and the dangers of extremism following World War II.
The dispute reflects the broader political struggle unfolding across Germany as mainstream parties try to contain the AfD's growing popularity. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has ruled out any coalition with the AfD, but the party's strong support in eastern Germany means the regional election in Saxony-Anhalt is expected to be one of the country's most closely watched political contests this year.