Two significant developments are shaping public debate in Germany right now: former Chancellor Angela Merkel's sharp criticism of the AfD's election victory in Saxony-Anhalt, and unsettling results from the latest PISA international education assessment. Together, they paint a picture of a country wrestling with its political direction and the quality of its public institutions. For expats and immigrant families, both stories carry practical relevance — from understanding the political mood to making decisions about their children's education.
Angela Merkel, Germany's former Chancellor, did not mince words in her response to the AfD's strong performance in Saxony-Anhalt. She called the results "simply shocking" and issued a broader warning about the dangers of political decision-making driven by emotion rather than fact.
Merkel's intervention is notable because she has generally stayed out of active political commentary since leaving office. Her willingness to speak out signals how seriously some senior figures in Germany's mainstream political establishment view the far-right's electoral gains. She did not offer a single explanation for the AfD's popularity but framed the issue as part of a wider challenge — one where feelings are increasingly overriding evidence-based public debate.
For immigrants and expats, this kind of high-profile commentary from a respected former leader can be reassuring in tone, even if it does not translate directly into policy. It reflects that significant voices within Germany remain committed to an open, fact-based political culture.
At the same time, Germany is absorbing the impact of its latest results in the PISA international education assessment. The scores have left the country, in the words of the source, "reeling" — suggesting a performance that falls short of expectations for one of Europe's largest economies.
For immigrant and expat families with children in the German school system, this is directly relevant. PISA results reflect the overall quality and equity of a country's education system. Declining scores can mean that schools are struggling to deliver consistent outcomes — a concern that may disproportionately affect children who are still learning German or who come from families navigating an unfamiliar system.
Germany's education system is also notable for being administered at the state level, meaning quality and resources can vary considerably between regions. Families living in states that invest more in education support and integration may see better outcomes for their children.
At first glance, a political election result and an education assessment score seem unrelated. But for Germany's immigrant community, they connect around the same core question: what kind of country is Germany becoming, and does it have the institutions to support everyone who lives here?
Merkel's warning about facts being overtaken by feelings is relevant to immigrants who depend on public debate remaining grounded in evidence — particularly when that debate touches on immigration, integration, and the contributions of people who have moved to Germany. Meanwhile, a struggling education system raises practical concerns for families whose children need strong school support to thrive.
PISA results reflect national averages and do not determine outcomes for individual children. However, they can indicate where the system faces pressure. If your child is in school in Germany and struggling, speak to their teacher (Klassenlehrer) or the school's support coordinator. Many schools offer additional language support for children still learning German — ask what is available at your specific school.
No. Angela Merkel is no longer in government and her comments represent her personal views, not official policy. Immigration law and integration policy continue to be set by the current federal government. For questions about your specific residency situation, contact your Ausländerbehörde or a qualified immigration adviser.
Germany is navigating a complex political and institutional moment. Merkel's public alarm over the AfD result and concern about PISA education scores are two threads of the same broader conversation about the country's values and capabilities. For expats and immigrant families, staying informed about these developments helps you make better decisions about where to live, how to support your children's education, and how to engage with the political environment around you.
If your children are in the German school system, connect with your local Elternbeirat (parent council) and ask your school about available support programmes. For political or rights-related concerns, organisations focused on immigrant rights and integration can provide guidance — look up current contacts through official channels.
Source: DW English
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