The Union dismisses the criticism of the proposed changes to the federal “Living Democracy” programme announced by Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU). “The criticism is misplaced” said CSU parliamentary deputy leader Anja Weisgerber in an interview with the “Rheinische Post” on Monday.
Weisgerber added that Prien is already fulfilling a key commitment: “From now on, the success of funded projects will be checked more rigorously”. Applicants will have to explain how their projects make a measurable contribution to social cohesion and specify the recipients of the funding. The goal, according to the CSU politician, is to ensure that public money is used deliberately and effectively, rather than disappearing in opaque structures.
The revamped programme also aims to reach the “silent middle” of society, broaden its reach and combat extremism. Prien said she wants to reorganise “Living Democracy” to achieve greater efficiency with the current annual budget of €191 million. The proposed shift has drawn criticism from the Left, the Greens and even some members of the SPD.
