Michael Kretschmer, the CDU's figurehead in Saxony, is zeroing in on education as a vital campaign issue leading up to the state elections next year. His strategy includes bolstering secondary schools and reassessing the application of digital tools, like tablets, in academia. He advocates for an impartial discussion with parents, teachers, and all stakeholders about how best to utilize digital technology in education.
To keep governing post-elections, Kretschmer hopes to assemble a majority government, steering clear of the AfD's involvement. The CDU politician insists that the necessary ingredient for coalition-building is the art of compromise, drawing lessons from Germany's Weimar Republic.
Kretschmer also mulls over the possibility of governance without the Greens, acknowledging their contrasting views on societal challenges. Climate protection is not the only legitimate concern, he underscores, as other interests warrant attention as well.
While Kretschmer hasn't shared specific education reforms, broader concerns surrounding education and higher education in Germany are critical for understanding the political climate:
- AfD's influence on education: The AfD poses threats to certain academic fields and aims to abolish gender studies faculties and dismiss professors, indicating potential shifts in educational policies.
- Federal-state education policies: Both the federal government and the states wield substantial power over education policy. This means any revisions would need to navigate intricate federal-state dynamics.
- University funding: Politicians across party lines are advocating for funding for basic research. However, the AfD's possible influence could result in cuts in funding for specific domains like gender research and climate research.
- Voter participation: The ongoing emphasis on exercising the right to vote in the upcoming Bundestag elections carries significance for education policy as well, given the potential impact on the composition of the new Bundestag.
Given Kretschmer's lack of detailed plans, future reforms could be shaped by the intricate political landscape of Saxony, including the potential influence of the AfD and other parties, resulting in a stable coalition that avoids radical policy shifts.
