Overview

• The SPD/BSW government has proposed a €50 million reduction in the school personnel budget, leading to 345 fewer teaching positions next academic year.
• Under the plan, teachers will deliver one additional hour of instruction per week but will be relieved of certain non-teaching responsibilities.
• Despite the cuts, the overall education budget exceeds last year’s total and funding for substitute teachers will increase by €14.5 million this year and €3.6 million in 2026.
• The GEW union and teacher associations presented a petition with about 15,000 signatures to parliament president Ulrike Liedtke opposing the extra teaching hour and budget reductions.
• Coalition leaders say they could restore or boost education funding if economic growth or budget reallocations free up resources, and the state parliament will vote on the budget on Friday.