DOMiNO: It is unacceptable for Možemo to turn classrooms into ideological battlegrounds for mobilizing future voters
Igor Peternel from the DOMiNO party criticizes political activism in schools, arguing it politicizes education and manipulates students.
Igor Peternel, the vice president of the DOMiNO party and a member of the Croatian Parliament, spoke out against the involvement of active politicians in schools, cautioning against the dangers of politicizing the education system. He emphasizes that schools should remain spaces of knowledge and education, rather than venues for political promotion or ideological influence on minors. Peternel believes that educational institutions should not become platforms for political recruitment, which can distort the true purpose of education.
During his remarks, Peternel highlighted that children should not be treated as mere voting machines, asserting that the classroom should not be a stage for political agendas. He voiced concerns over the actions of politicians who enter schools to present their viewpoints, claiming that this practice undermines the educational mission and constitutes an abuse of authority. Teachers and educational environments should facilitate balanced discussions without introducing partisan biases, ensuring that children maintain the right to form their own political beliefs.
Citing recent examples of politicians visiting schools, Peternel argues that the issue arises not from the content of their views but rather from the principle of using educational settings for ideological battles. He called for a clear distinction between education and politics, urging policymakers to maintain the integrity of schools as spaces for learning, free from undue political influence that can manipulate young minds before they are ready to engage in political discourse responsibly.