The Alternative for Germany and its school policy positions

This article analyses the school policy positions of the party Alternative for Germany (AfD). Using the federal state of Thuringia as an example, three election manifestos (2014, 2019, 2024) and one position paper are analysed through qualitative content analysis. The AfD Thuringia advocates in favour of maintaining and expanding a differentiated and structured school system, including the retention of special schools for pupils with special educational needs. Gender-appropriate language, Islamic education, and sexual education in nurseries and primary schools are rejected. The AfD Thuringia also promotes a strong focus on performance and elites within the school system. Considering various documents from the last 10 years, the AfD Thuringia has experienced a radicalisation of its school policy positions.