Discontent has risen within the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, led by CDU politician Karin Prien, concerning planned revisions to its democracy promotion program. Three weeks ago, the CDU politician announced that the ministry was cutting funding prematurely for over 200 organizations. Sources suggest this action is politically motivated, with some within the CDU viewing the “Live Democracy” initiative as being too left-leaning.
New funding guidelines are being developed, which will supposedly give “significantly greater” consideration to projects addressing anti-Semitism, Islamic extremism, and left-wing extremism compared to those focusing on right-wing extremism. This was communicated to currently funded organizations by Prien’s state secretary, Ingo Behnel, in a letter reported by Spiegel.
Spiegel spoke with several employees working in the department for democracy promotion. The staffers criticized the head office for appearing poorly informed regarding the program’s direction. For instance, at one point, the focus shifted to emphasizing anti-Semitism, despite at least 15 projects-whose funding was subsequently stopped-already centering on that theme. One employee described the operation as “headless and chaotic, it is embarrassing”. Another expressed concern that they might inadvertently become “complicit in the destruction of civil society organizations”.
According to Spiegel’s investigations, funding notices have already been adjusted, thereby increasing legal risks for some organizations. An original notice from the ministry now states, under section 2.11.a, that initiatives are obligated to “ensure” they avoid supporting extremist structures. While all projects already affirm that they do not finance extremists, this new wording could carry legal repercussions. For example, projects aiming to help right-wing extremists or Islamists leave the scene might face difficulties because there is no guarantee that these individuals won’t relapse.
In another area, the ministry was forced to backtrack and “clarify” a side provision, as detailed in a letter to all “Partners for Democracy” reported by Spiegel. This relates to providing proof of sustainability. The ministry had set standards so high that, depending on a local municipal constitution or local voting majorities, they might be impossible to meet. Now, however, exceptions can be requested.
The ministry did not respond to Spiegel’s specific questions. Instead, the press office sent a three-page PDF containing general background information and referred reporters to the minister’s public statements.
