A prominent figure within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Steffen Bilger, is publicly questioning the efficacy of current strategies employed to counter the rising influence of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, signaling a potential shift in the CDU’s approach. In a recent commentary published in Cicero magazine, Bilger declared the prevailing methods of democratic promotion as a “fallacy” arguing that increased funding does not inherently translate to reduced support for extremist political movements.
He pointed to the program “Democracy Live” as a case study, noting its budget has nearly quintupled since its inception while the AfD’s electoral performance has simultaneously increased. This observation implies that simply injecting more financial resources into democratic initiatives has failed to achieve the desired outcome of diminishing the AfD’s appeal. Bilger specifically emphasized the need for a reevaluation and potential reduction in funding allocated to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), suggesting a belief that current expenditures are not delivering sufficient societal benefit.
Despite his critique of existing promotional initiatives, Bilger staunchly defended the concept of a “firewall” separating the CDU from the AfD. He cited internal AfD rhetoric that openly advocates for the “annihilation of the CDU” reinforcing his stance against any form of collaboration with the party. Bilger acknowledged the lack of a universally effective formula for conservative parties navigating the complexities of engagement with right-wing and far-right factions, drawing comparisons to experiences in other European nations. He underscored the mixed results stemming from attempts ranging from integration and coalition-building to strict separation.
The recent budget proposal for 2026, which initially included an additional €10 million for the “Democracy Live” program, has itself come under scrutiny. Bilger, while expressing openness to continued NGO support, warned that funding will be rigorously assessed for its effectiveness. Resources designated for initiatives lacking demonstrable social value risk being eliminated, reflecting the CDU’s current prioritization of fiscal responsibility and a potential realignment of resources towards strategies that demonstrably combat extremism, moving beyond mere financial investment. The move signals internal pressure within the CDU to reassess its long-term strategy and address concerns about escalating right-wing populism through more targeted and efficient means.
