The German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs has announced a fundamental overhaul of the “Democracy in Action” funding program, prompted by concerns over the alignment of funded projects and recipient organizations with Germany’s constitutional principles. Minister Karin Prien stated that a core tenet of the revamped program will be significantly enhanced scrutiny regarding the adherence to the values of the free and democratic basic order among all applicants.
Prien emphasized that combating extremism, regardless of its ideological origin – be it right-wing, left-wing, or Islamist, including antisemitism – cannot be achieved by supporting opposing viewpoints. Funding will be restricted to organizations demonstrably upholding the principles of the free and democratic basic order.
The Ministry plans to intensify collaboration with security authorities to assess individual cases where doubts arise about an organization’s stance toward Germany’s constitutional principles. Initially, the Ministry itself will conduct reviews of current recipients. When potential breaches of constitutional values or the need for security authority intervention are detected, these agencies will be involved.
The Minister expressed concerns that the existing program, designed to strengthen democracy, has, in recent years, disproportionately supported left-wing activist groups and projects linked to individuals expressing antisemitic sentiments. She pledged to end the practice of public funding for such entities.
With nearly 400 current recipients distributing funds to a network of approximately 3,000 groups, Minister Prien highlighted a lack of transparency within the program. A comprehensive review of the program’s structure and guidelines is now underway. Recipient organizations suspected of harboring extremist tendencies may be required to return previously allocated funds.
Minister Prien presented the planned changes to the Union faction in the Bundestag and indicated likely budget reductions for the program, citing fiscal constraints. While opposing cuts to youth and family programs in principle, she acknowledged the need to prioritize spending given the current economic climate.
