German universities prepare for AfD pressure on academic freedom

German scientists and universities fear that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) could restrict academic freedom after autumn state elections. Particular concern centres on Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where the AfD could win the elections. Universities have established working groups and are investigating legal loopholes that a new administration could exploit.

German scientific circles are increasingly anxious ahead of autumn state elections, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) could emerge as the dominant political force in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Scientists warn that the party's rise to power could mean a dangerous narrowing of academic freedom.

AfD plans cause concern

In a platform released in April, the AfD claims German science is in deep crisis. The party wants to develop critical climate research, establish a state-funded institute for critical Islamic studies, and create a population studies chair investigating alleged German demographic decline. Additionally, the AfD wants to eliminate gender studies and reinstate German diploma and masters' degrees that preceded the international Bologna system and are not widely recognised internationally.

According to AfD higher education policy spokesman Christoph Birghan, the party's stronger position would actually expand academic freedom. "An AfD government would bring honest debate about past mistakes and strengthen top-tier science," he argued.

Scientific organisations object

Scientific organisations see the situation differently. Walter Rosenthal, president of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), which represents 272 German universities, said they are seriously concerned about AfD's impact on university autonomy and the openness of academic discourse.

The German Research Foundation (DFG), Germany's largest research funder, and the Leopoldina National Academy of Sciences, headquartered in Halle in Saxony-Anhalt, also expressed concern. Leopoldina president Bettina Rockenbach said that the AfD's election programme would restrict or even ban certain fields of research and would make it harder for scientists to move to and from Saxony-Anhalt. "Implementing AfD proposals would seriously interfere with academic freedom and endanger the principles of open, international and independent science," she warned.

Indirect pressure mechanisms

Although academic freedom is constitutionally protected in Germany and politicians cannot directly dictate university operations, many scientists fear indirect pressure tactics. An AfD-led state government could cut funding for programmes deemed ideologically problematic, delay professorial appointments, or block decisions in national scientific committees.

In Germany, education policy is almost entirely the responsibility of the 16 federal states, meaning one state's political direction directly affects local universities' funding and management. In Saxony-Anhalt, where AfD support exceeds 40 per cent in polls, the party has promised to fundamentally reshape the state's university system.

Universities seek protective measures

Universities have responded preemptively: separate working groups have been established, legal grey areas are being reviewed collectively, and discussions are underway about creating solidarity funds to support scientists forced to leave universities or abandon their research fields.

Advice is also being sought from scientists who have had to leave countries where research institutions have already come under political pressure. According to Rosenthal, while experiences from different countries cannot be directly compared, others' experience helps understand what tactics can be used to put pressure on science. Universities are also concerned in the longer term: if the AfD ever came to power at federal level, its opposition could be enough to slow down the entire country's scientific initiatives.

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