The Federal Ministry of Education intends to expand support for democracy projects in Sachsen-Anhalt, extending funding opportunities beyond the restructured “Democracy Lives” program. A spokesperson for Minister Karin Prien (CDU) informed newspapers that supporting local democratic work is a high priority for the Ministry. They plan to develop or open up funding avenues for organizations and projects across all states and municipalities to best assist their vital work, including potential financial support outside of the existing “Democracy Lives” framework.
Ministers want to establish sustainable solutions so that engagement and advisory services can continue even if support from local state or municipal governments ceases. Prien herself stated: “We do not leave people alone who daily stand up for a respectful coexistence.”
Earlier, the Federal Government’s Eastern Germany Representative, Elisabeth Kaiser (SPD), hosted representatives of civil society focused in Sachsen-Anhalt in mid-October to discuss the current situation. Following the meeting, she noted a growing threat level faced by civil society actors and organizations. Furthermore, she pointed out that, due to historical reasons, the civil society in the region is significantly weaker, both financially and in terms of personnel, compared to that in western Germany. Many crucial structures now face potential collapse under financial pressure and the ongoing reorganization of the “Democracy Lives” funding program.
Separately, Wolfram Weimer, a spokesperson for the Commissioner for Culture and Media, told the editorial network that the federal government stands firmly alongside creators and cultural institutions in Sachsen-Anhalt, even under a potential new state government. However, he clarified that the states primarily hold responsibility for cultural policy. Consequently, he stressed that all democratic forces are challenged to decisively defend these institutions, which are crucial for a free and democratic society. Weimer added that while supporting the cultural scene in Sachsen-Anhalt is a major concern for him, cultural funding in East Germany not only preserves cultural heritage but also strengthens the economy, social cohesion, and regional development. He confirmed that the federal government will reliably continue to support cultural institutions in Sachsen-Anhalt in the future.
