After several years away from the classroom, former Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader Jörg Meuthen is set to return to teaching at Hochschule für öffentliche Verwaltung Kehl. This marks the culmination of his political pause, as the 63-year-old economist prepares to instruct students on Economics and Finance starting this academic year.
Meuthen's re-entry to the Kehl institution was announced last fall, and according to the news agency dpa, he will have teaching obligations amounting to 18 semester hours per week. Hochschule Kehl officials indicated there might be additional seminars if enough students express interest, as noted by the school’s rector, Joachim Beck.
"Ob diese zustandekommen, liegt daran, ob eine hinreichende Zahl von Studierenden diese wählen," explained Beck, signaling the university's expectation for student enrollment to determine the range of courses offered.
This return to academia follows Meuthen's politically charged history. He was previously on leave from Hochschule Kehl since 2016 when he became a member of the Baden-Württemberg state parliament representing the AfD. His departure from the party came much later, at the end of January 2022, citing disagreements with the direction and ideology espoused by many of the AfD's top leaders.
Beck reiterated the legal obligations of the university, stating, "Wenn der beurlaubte Hochschullehrer nach seiner Zeit als Parlamentarier wieder an die Hochschule zurückkehren will, dann muss die Hochschule ihm dies ermöglichen. Das ist die Gesetzeslage, an die wir gebunden sind." This commitment to Meuthen's return reflects not only institutional values but also the legal framework governing academic staff who transition back to teaching roles after political engagement.
Meuthen’s past as a prominent political figure adds intriguing layers to his teaching position. From 2017 until his resignation from the AfD, he took his political career to the European Parliament, where he served as a non-aligned member after exiting the party. Following his departure from the AfD, he briefly identified with the Center Party before joining the WerteUnion, which is aligned with conservative ideologies.
While Meuthen's political career presents challenges—his return to academia is not unprecedented. Many former political leaders have sought refuge in the academic world post-politics. For example, Bernd Lucke, Meuthen's predecessor as the AfD leader, returned to teaching at the University of Hamburg, though not without facing protests during his initial lectures.
The Hochschule Kehl, which specializes in public administration, is strategically located at the border with France, representing a significant educational hub for future civil servants. The school aims to prepare students for administrative roles with practical knowledge, making Meuthen’s input important as the educational body seeks to balance political and academic elements effectively.
Jörg Meuthen stands at the intersection of politics and education, and his return serves as both a personal milestone and public interest. It underlines how figures from contentious political backgrounds can re-engage with academia, promoting discourse and potentially influencing future generations of students.
With his extensive experience and political acumen, Meuthen's teaching could evoke significant discussions among students about the intersection of economics, finance, and politics, enriching their learning experience at Hochschule Kehl.