Nine-years-Hhigh School - Ministry rejects approval of G9 popular initiative
The Interior Ministry has rejected a popular initiative for a comprehensive return to the nine-year secondary school (G9) in schools. The implementation of such a petition is reportedly not constitutionally sound. This is allegedly due to the significant costs that the legislative proposal would incur if approved in a referendum. The costs would have to be explicitly stated as a monetary amount in the legislative justification. The petitioners can appeal the ministry's decision to the Constitutional Court of Baden-Württemberg within two weeks.
A parents' initiative is fighting for a G9 option for all classes. With the popular initiative, parents aim to enable all students at the gymnasium to obtain their diploma in nine school years starting from 2026.
The green-black coalition agreed on proposals for fundamental reforms in April. Accordingly, G9 is to be introduced from the 2025/2026 school year – initially only for classes five and six. The gymnasiums are also to be given the option to offer G8 tracks – however, without receiving additional funds for it.
- The petitioners, dissatisfied with the Interior Ministry's rejection, have announced their intention to appeal the decision to the Constitutional Court of Baden-Württemberg within the stipulated two-week period.
- The popular initiative for a comprehensive G9 implementation in schools demands authorization from the Interior Ministry, which has yet to be granted due to concerns about its constitutionality and financial implications.
- The proposed return to the nine-year secondary school system (G9) is a significant education reform that has garnered widespread support in the form of a popular vote and a popular initiative, pushing for its implementation in Gymnasiums by 2026.
- The Interior Ministry's rejection of the popular initiative for G9 has sparked a public outcry, as many parents and students in Stuttgart and Baden-Württemberg view this change as essential for improving the quality of education and providing more options for young learners.
