New Directive Mandates German Flags at Schools in Jerichower Land

The local government of Jerichower Land in Saxony-Anhalt has enacted a new policy requiring all schools within the district to display the German flag daily. This decision stems from a proposal by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which was passed with support from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) during a recent council meeting.

Under this directive, every public building with a flagpole, including 15 schools managed by the district, will be mandated to fly the national flag year-round. The affected institutions include eight secondary schools, three gymnasiums, three special education schools, and one vocational school. However, primary schools are exempt from this requirement as local municipalities are responsible for them.

The proposal's justification cites a growing divide in society, influenced by various economic, social, political, and religious factors. It describes the current state of affairs as a 'stress test' for the community, exacerbated by recent challenges. The authors of the proposal reference historical moments when national identity served as a unifying force amid crises, suggesting that a visible presence of the national flag could foster a sense of solidarity and community.

In the proposal, it is argued that the public display of the flag represents a necessary normalization of national symbols in everyday life, which has faced criticism and scrutiny in recent years. The initiative aims to restore a sense of common identity and belonging among citizens, countering what is perceived as a decline in communal spirit.

This move has raised eyebrows, as it signals a further erosion of the barriers that traditionally separated mainstream political parties from the far-right AfD. Previously, there have been indications of informal agreements between the CDU and AfD in the region. The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt has been classified as a right-wing extremist group by the state's domestic intelligence agency, and its actions are closely monitored.

While the AfD holds 11 of the 42 seats in the Jerichower Land council and lacks an outright majority, their collaboration with the CDU, which has 13 seats, allows them to outvote the other parties present, including the "Wir für das Jerichower Land" faction, which has 14 seats, along with the Left Party and an independent member.