The topic of school holiday scheduling has sparked a new debate in Germany, with differing opinions on whether the current system should be revised. Markus Söder, Bavarian Minister-President, has firmly rejected calls for altering Bavaria's summer holiday schedule. This comes in response to a proposal from North Rhine-Westphalia's Education Minister, Dorothee Feller, who advocates for a later start to the summer holidays in her state.
Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg traditionally commence their holidays in late July or early August, differing from the rotating system used by 14 other federal states. These states start their holidays at different times each year. Söder argues that Bavaria’s holiday schedule is deeply rooted in its cultural DNA, closely aligned with the two-week Pentecost holidays and Christian festivities.
Critics, including Andreas Bühl of Thuringia's CDU faction, argue that the existing rigid holiday schedules are outdated. Bühl believes that the historical rationale tied to agricultural cycles no longer justifies exceptions for Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. He calls for a fairer system that considers the needs of families, schools, and the economy over longstanding traditions.
The Kultusministerkonferenz (Conference of Ministers of Education) has already set holiday dates until 2030, indicating no immediate changes. However, the debate underscores a growing demand for a more equitable approach post-2030. The discussion reflects a broader conversation about balancing historical customs with contemporary societal needs, emphasizing the importance of aligning holiday schedules with modern-day realities.
