The parliamentary group of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Lower Saxony has formally requested access to all documentation pertaining to the funding of the State Office for Nature Conservation (Labün). This move follows criticism from the State Audit Office regarding a decade-long practice of distributing approximately €300,000 annually to eight nature conservation associations without proper oversight by the Labün.
CDU parliamentary group spokesperson Carina Hermann stated that the aim of the document request is to “finally shed light on this dubious funding practice”. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for serious legal infringements, allegations of misappropriation and a prolonged disregard for budgetary law. Hermann emphasized the scope of the potential issues, suggesting they could involve millions of euros.
Environment Minister Christian Meyer of the Green Party has dismissed the CDU’s request as a deliberate attempt to sensationalize the situation. Meyer accused the opposition of overlooking “essential facts” including the fact that the funding procedure has already been modified. He confirmed that the Ministry will provide the requested documents to the CDU.
The parliamentary budget committee is scheduled to debate the State Audit Office’s censure and the future of the funding program after the summer recess. Despite the controversy, both Minister Meyer and the CDU have indicated a general desire to continue the funding, although its structure and oversight are likely to be re-examined.
