Union leaders dismiss the criticism of the restrictions on projects slated for the federal “Democracy Living” program, announced by Federal Family Minister Karin Prien of the CDU. “The criticism is misguided” said CSU deputy parliamentary leader Anja Weisgerber, speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Monday edition.
Weisgerber added that Prien is fulfilling a key promise: “From now on, the success of funded projects will be checked more consistently”. Applicants must therefore explain how their projects make a measurable contribution to social cohesion and specify which recipients will receive the funds. The policy aims to ensure that public money is used deliberately and effectively, rather than disappearing in opaque structures. The revamped program also seeks to reach Germany’s quiet middle, broaden its impact, and combat extremism.
Prien has pledged to restructure “Democracy Living” to improve the efficiency of the current €191 million annual grant. However, some critics from the Left, the Greens, and even members of the SPD question the planned realignment.