The Left and the Greens have criticized the new focus areas of the federal program “Living Democracy.” Misbah Khan, the Greens’ deputy faction leader, told the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” (Thursday edition) that the ministry’s management of civil society organizations was particularly problematic.
Instead of providing these organizations with planning security, the ministry is now subjecting them to extremely tight application procedures and new funding requirements. Many organizations would find it incredibly difficult to meet these demands within the stipulated deadlines.
Furthermore, according to plans from the Family Ministry, regular structures such as schools and clubs are now slated to benefit more heavily from the funding. Compounding these changes, the ministry is explicitly noting that applicants can now be reviewed under the so-called Haber procedure, which involves the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
Mandy Eißing, a member of the Bundestag for The Left, sharply criticized this development. She told the newspaper that people are fighting every day to protect our democracy from Nazis, yet “Ms. Prien is now adding the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution onto their necks,” leading to the destruction of trust and established structures.
Khan also voiced her dissent over the measures. The Greens politician argued that the Haber procedure sends damaging signals, suggesting that democratic engagement is being viewed not as a foundational pillar of democracy, but potentially as a threat to the state.
