The decision by Germany’s Federal Agency for Political Education (BPB) to withdraw from the platform X (formerly Twitter) is drawing sharp criticism, particularly from within the agency’s own governing bodies. Christina Stumpp, deputy general secretary of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and chair of the BPB’s advisory board, has publicly questioned the rationale behind the move, arguing that it undermines the agency’s core mission of widespread political education.
The BPB announced its exit on Monday via a post on the very platform it was abandoning, citing unspecified concerns that prompted the decision to cease posting. While the agency maintains its presence on alternative platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Bluesky and Mastodon, the abrupt departure from X, where it previously amassed nearly 51,000 followers, has been labelled as counterproductive by Stumpp.
“It’s nonsensical to abandon a well-established channel reaching tens of thousands, while simultaneously remaining on smaller platforms” she told Politico. Stumpp emphasized the importance of engaging with diverse audiences, especially those potentially holding differing perspectives. She argued that democratic institutions have a responsibility to be visible even in environments characterized by disagreement and potential criticism.
The move is being interpreted by some as a reaction to increasing scrutiny and potential ideological challenges encountered on X, reflecting a broader trend among public bodies navigating the complexities of social media engagement. Stumpp is expected to formally address the BPB’s decision within the agency’s advisory board, highlighting the potential for the retreat to contribute to societal fragmentation by reinforcing echo chambers and limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints-a dynamic that directly contradicts the BPB’s mandate. The controversy underscores a critical debate within German politics regarding the role of state institutions in navigating the often-turbulent landscape of digital public discourse.