The German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs has announced a fundamental restructuring of the “Democracy in Action” funding program, prompted by concerns over the recipients of state funding and the activities of certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The revisions will significantly increase scrutiny of applicants’ adherence to Germany’s basic democratic order.
According to Minister Karin Prien, the current approach, which seemingly attempts to counter right-wing extremism through the support of left-wing activist groups, is deemed unsustainable. “Only organizations unequivocally grounded in the principles of the free and democratic order are eligible for state funding” Minister Prien stated. “This applies to right-wing and left-wing extremists, Islamist extremists and definitively to anti-Semitic groups”. To ensure compliance, the Ministry intends to strengthen collaboration with security agencies.
Security agencies will adopt an “event-triggered” approach, meticulously examining each case where doubts arise regarding an organization’s commitment to democratic principles. Initially, the Ministry itself will conduct reviews of current program recipients. When inconsistencies are identified and the Ministry deems intervention by security agencies necessary, they will be engaged. The Ministry emphasized it retains discretionary power in these decisions.
Minister Prien expressed criticism of the program’s practices, which have been in place for several years. She noted a historical tendency toward supporting left-wing activists and projects where individuals have expressed anti-Semitic sentiments. “We are ending the practice of using taxpayer money to fund such entities” she asserted.
Given the program’s complex structure, encompassing 400 primary recipients and ultimately supporting approximately 3,000 groups through cascading project funding, Minister Prien highlighted a “transparency problem”. Consequently, the entire program structure, including its guidelines, will undergo thorough review. Organizations suspected of extremist tendencies risk being required to repay previously received funding. “We will pursue claims for repayment wherever legally possible” Minister Prien affirmed, addressing organizations that secured funding but failed to actively support democratic values.
Minister Prien presented her plans to the parliamentary group of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) on Monday and also signaled prospective budget cuts to the program. While prioritizing funding for children and youth initiatives, she acknowledged fiscal constraints necessitate adjustments affecting democratic promotion efforts.