Wiederkehr interview:

“No shame in students knowing more than teachers”

Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) has been causing a stir for a week with his proposal to introduce more AI instead of Latin in high schools—he spoke to the "Krone" about this and other plans.(Bild: Eva Manhart)

In an interview with the "Krone" newspaper, Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) talks about his reform plans, what he thinks of prominent figures' opposition to cuts in Latin teaching, and where schools still need to change.

Christoph Wiederkehr appears in good spirits for the interview. The 35-year-old has been in office as Minister of Education for NEOS for just over a year. Previously, he was City Councilor for Education in Vienna. His good mood can probably be attributed to the fact that his reform plans are being widely discussed. And discourse, he emphasizes several times in his conversation with the "Krone," is important to him. In short: as the Krone first reported, Wiederkehr wants to reduce Latin lessons in upper secondary schools from twelve to eight (calculated over four years). In return, artificial intelligence and democracy education are to be taught in new subjects.

Krone: Minister, you want to add AI and democracy education to the curriculum and reduce Latin in return. The topic is being widely discussed. Now there is even prominent opposition from Nobel Prize winners Elfriede Jelinek and Anton Zeilinger, as well as others. Does that impress you?
Christoph Wiederkehr: I have received a lot of positive feedback. I am surprised that many Austrian intellectuals are speaking out against a necessary reform. I can allay concerns that literature lessons in schools will be cut. I have invited the initiators of the initiative to a meeting next week. I believe dialogue is important. More changes will be needed in the school system.