The Junior Union (JU) has been required to repay certain governmental funds, a debt it covered by taking out a loan from its parent party, the CDU.
According to reports citing the JU, the CDU, and the federal government, a JU spokesperson confirmed that during the 2025 accounting process, the JU’s federal headquarters identified that a portion of the subsidies could not be accounted for. The JU stated that it has fully complied with its obligation to repay the amount.
Specifically, the issue involves funds from the Federal Ministry of Families, which are intended to promote political educational work carried out by youth organizations. The Ministry confirmed that the JU received €1.2 million in 2025.
Like other youth organizations, the association had to demonstrate that the money was used correctly. However, the Christian-democratic youth group apparently struggled to find sufficient supporting documentation. Consequently, the JU decided to return one-quarter of the total amount. A ministry spokesman confirmed that the JU has returned €348,509.07, including interest, because the funds were either unused or not used in a timely manner.
To cover this repayment, the JU requested a loan from the parent party. The CDU subsequently approved an interest-bearing loan. Although both the CDU and JU verified that the loan occurred, they declined to specify the exact sum. A CDU spokesperson stated that the German Junior Union had requested a loan, and the CDU had granted the request, noting that the loan was issued under standard market conditions. The JU, in turn, declared that it would repay the loan according to schedule.
Clara von Nathusius, the JU’s federal treasurer, declined to comment on the proceedings, directing inquiries to the Junior Union’s press office. The press office emphasized that there are no criminal charges related to the matter, adding that the issue was investigated by external auditors.
