The Federal Ministry of Education and Research, headed by Karin Prien (CDU), has narrowed the conditions under which local democracy programs may receive funding. According to an internal ministry letter quoted by “Stern”, district governors and mayors of independent cities can no longer unilaterally trigger the disbursement of subsidy money.
The change targets the multi‑million‑euro “Partnerschaften für Demokratie” initiative. From 2026, the ministry requires that the municipality’s executive body or its decision‑making committee submit proof of engagement to the federal authorities. In practice this means that approval must come from the district council or a specialist committee rather than a single mayor or governor.
The decision has drawn criticism from state governments. Minister-President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) of Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania warned that, at a time when democracy feels threatened, citizens’ efforts to strengthen it should be “supported, not hindered”, and that “additional hurdles should not be erected”. She added that democracy projects should be able to receive direct support regardless of the political composition of local parliaments.
Her comments come amid the rising influence of the AfD in East Germany, where the party frequently emerges as the largest faction in district councils-even though it never holds an outright majority. It can nonetheless steer decisions by forming coalitions with the CDU and other groups.
Despite the backlash, the ministry remains firm. A spokesperson told “Stern” that “for acceptance, success, and broad impact of programs at the local level, it is essential that local decision‑makers also publicly commit to them”. According to recent federal announcements, the 2025 budget includes €44.7 million for 332 partnerships; individual projects may receive up to €160,000.
