Education Minister fired: Who is Jan Riedel?

Education Minister fired: Who is Jan Riedel?

In Saxony-Anhalt the wind of change is blowing through education policy. Education Minister Eva Feußner was welcomed by Prime Minister Dr. Reiner Haseloff fired at the request of the CDU. This was done in accordance with the coalition agreement concluded by the CDU, SPD and FDP, which contains clear regulations on governance. Feußner has held various positions in the Ministry of Education since 2018 and took over ministerial responsibility on September 16, 2021. In an official statement, Haseloff thanked her for her years of work.

The new man at the head of the education department is senior director of studies Jan Riedel. It will be officially presented in the State Chancellery on July 2, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. Riedel, 43 years old and native of Borna in Saxony, brings a lot of experience with him. He has been working in the state service since 2010, initially as a teacher at the Stadtfeldgymnasium in Wernigerode and at the Giebichenstein-Gymnasium in Halle (Saale). He currently heads the Lyonel-Feininger-Gymnasium in Halle and is also chairman of the city council. His marriage and five children show that he is also a family man in his private life.

A new course in education policy

The decision to replace Feußner and the appointment of Riedel is part of the political agreements that the CDU, SPD and FDP have set out in the coalition agreement for the 2021 to 2026 electoral period. Under the motto "We shape Saxony-Anhalt. Strong. Modern. Crisis-proof. Fair." The aim is to set the course for a future-oriented education policy. The focus is particularly on cooperation between migrant organizations, religious communities and other actors in order to promote integration and equality in Saxony-Anhalt.

Riedel will probably have to deal with issues that are dealt with in the coalition agreement on pages 83 to 94, in particular those on democracy, equality and integration. The integration concept adopted in December 2020 could serve as an important basis for further advancing the integration process in schools. Integration work in sports clubs, welfare associations and cultural institutions will also continue to be supported in order to create a strong and fair Saxony-Anhalt.

The political landscape in Saxony-Anhalt remains exciting, while Jan Riedel will take on the challenge of actively shaping the educational landscape in the state and providing the necessary impetus for a modern and inclusive education policy.

The coming weeks will show how Riedel can implement his vision and whether he will live up to the coalition's high standards. Education policy is definitely a central issue that affects many citizens, and we can only hope that the new minister has a good hand.

Further information on these developments can be found on the respective platforms: Meeting point, You are Halle and Integration portal Saxony-Anhalt.