Schulze demands more practical experience and economics in schools - Saxony-Anhalt overhauls schools and pushes for cheaper energy to save industries
Saxony-Anhalt's Minister-President Sven Schulze (CDU) has announced plans to reform school education and address energy costs in the region. His government will reintroduce compulsory economics classes and add practical learning days for secondary students. At the same time, he is pushing for changes in renewable energy policies to ease financial pressures on businesses.
Starting next year, Gymnasium secondary schools in Saxony-Anhalt will bring back mandatory economics lessons from the seventh grade. Schulze described the move as essential for preparing students for future careers. Meanwhile, Sekundarschulen (general secondary schools) will introduce a weekly practical learning day for the same age group. The goal is to make education more hands-on and aligned with real-world skills.
Schulze also highlighted the need for cheaper, more reliable energy. He admitted that electricity prices remain too high, particularly for industries like chemicals—a key sector in Saxony-Anhalt. Over 100 companies operate at the Leuna chemical site alone, all facing pressure from rising energy costs.
To tackle these challenges, Schulze will travel to Brussels with a business delegation. There, they will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) to discuss solutions. The visit aims to present the difficulties companies face and explore ways to support them.
The reforms in schools and energy policies reflect Schulze's focus on practical education and economic stability. Compulsory economics classes and practical training days will begin next academic year. His Brussels trip will determine whether EU-level changes can help lower energy costs for Saxony-Anhalt's industries.
