There is currently disagreement within the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, headed by Karin Prien (CDU), regarding planned restructuring of the democracy promotion program. The CDU politician previously announced three weeks ago that the ministry would be significantly reducing funds for over 200 organizations. Sources suggest that this move is politically motivated, with some members of the CDU viewing the “Living Democracy” initiative as being too left-leaning.
New funding guidelines are proposed, intending to give “considerable more” weight to projects addressing anti-Semitism, Islamic extremism, and left-wing extremism compared to those focusing on right-wing extremism. This was communicated by Prien’s state secretary, Ingo Behnel, in an October letter to current grant recipients, which the newspaper “Der Spiegel” reported on.
“Der Spiegel” interviewed employees working in the democracy promotion sector. These employees criticized that the ministry’s leadership appears poorly informed regarding the program. They pointed out that recent directives emphasized increased action against anti-Semitism, despite at least fifteen projects that had been stopped for funding having focused on that very area. One employee stated, “We are acting in a disorganized and haphazard manner; it is embarrassing”. Another questioned if he was not, in the process, becoming complicit in the dismantling of civil society organizations.
Furthermore, the ministry has already modified grant notices, which “Spiegel” investigations reveal increase the legal risks for certain organizations. An original notice from the ministry now stipulates, under clause 2.11.a, that initiatives are obligated to “ensure” they avoid supporting extremist structures. While all projects already declare that they do not fund extremists, this newly added phrasing could carry legal ramifications. For instance, projects aiming to help right-wing extremists or Islamists leave the extremist scene might face difficulties because there is no guarantee that these individuals will not relapse.
On a separate matter, the ministry had to backtrack and “clarify” a secondary provision, according to a letter to all “Partnerships for Democracy” reported by “Der Spiegel”. This adjustment relates to proof of sustainability. The ministry had set requirements so high that they were practically unattainable in certain municipalities, depending on local constitutional frameworks or local voting majorities. Now, exceptions can be requested.
When asked specific questions by “Der Spiegel”, the ministry did not provide direct answers. Instead, the press office sent a three-page PDF containing general background information and directed inquiries toward the minister’s public statements.