The controversial halt of federal funding for the democracy promotion project “Radikale Töchter” (Radical Daughters) is now before the courts. According to reporting by the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, the NGO has filed a lawsuit with the Administrative Court in Cologne against the federal government.
This case generated widespread headlines and public outcry earlier this year. The surprise cancellation of the project, which had already begun, followed sharp criticism by the project’s founder regarding comments made by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) about urban aesthetics.
The NGO had received provisional approval from the Federal Centre for its project in February 2025 and had started its work. However, the abrupt change came early in 2026 with a refusal of funding. This escalation followed a petition launched by project founder Cesy Leonard, which included sharp criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his statements on urban appearance, accusing him of making racism acceptable in public discourse. Leonard collected 250,000 signatures. Subsequently, the Federal Ministry of the Interior ordered its subordinate federal agency to cease the funding, without providing a clear technical justification for the decision.
“Following the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it is clear: independent political education is needed now more than ever,” stated NGO founder Cesy Leonard. “Vindictively cutting this funding is negligent and wrong. That is why we are suing.” The organization aims to use the lawsuit to get its project reinstated. Overall, the dispute concerns approximately 290,000 euros.
“Radikale Töchter” was established in 2019 as an NGO dedicated to promoting democracy. Since its founding, it has offered over 400 non-profit workshops in schools, youth centers, and cultural institutions.
