The SPD has accused the Education Minister, Karin Prien (CDU), of deviating from the coalition agreement during the planned realignment of the “Demokratie leben” (Living Democracy) program. Speaking to Focus, the relevant reporter for the SPD faction, Felix Döring stated that the proposed cuts to the program are increasingly giving the impression of a punitive measure aimed at inconvenient civil society stakeholders. He emphasized that this approach contradicts the SPD’s understanding of democratic culture.
Döring also drew a contrast with the political actions of the CDU, referencing the need for civil society groups to take a clear stand last year when the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction sought and found a majority that included the AfD. According to him, criticism originating from civil society represents a vigorous democracy and must not be delegitimized.
Returning to the program changes, Döring reminded observers of the binding nature of the coalition contract. He argued that if core components of the program were intended to be questioned or eliminated, those concerns should have been raised during the coalition negotiations. Furthermore, he found it implausible that the minister would generalize by labeling professionals within the program as left-wing, rather than properly recognizing their expertise and professional work.