Germany's Democracy Funding Overhaul Sparks Outrage Among Activists
Federal Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has announced plans to reform the Democracy in Action! programme. The changes will cut funding for over 200 projects from next year. Critics from opposition parties and civil society groups have reacted with sharp condemnation.
Prien's overhaul aims to shift support towards established local institutions like schools, sports clubs and libraries. She also intends to boost spending on digital prevention initiatives. However, the move has triggered backlash from groups reliant on the programme's funding.
The Left Party's Heidi Reichinnek accused the minister of turning her back on civil society organisations fighting for democracy and human rights. She demanded long-term, reliable funding instead of cuts. Misbah Khan of the Greens described the reforms as an *attack on organised civil society*, a view echoed by the SPD's Jasmina Hostert, who called the programme vital for strengthening democratic engagement. A director of a left-wing counselling centre in Saxony warned that funding cuts could collapse essential support networks. Meanwhile, Timo Reinfrank of the Amadeu Antonio Foundation revealed the organisation could lose up to €850,000 in government support. The foundation is one of many facing financial uncertainty under the new plans. Opposition parties, including the Left, Greens and SPD, have united in criticism. They argue the reforms risk undermining years of work by grassroots democracy initiatives across the country.
The changes will take effect from next year, with over 200 projects losing their current funding. Prien's focus on local institutions and digital measures marks a clear shift in policy direction. The full impact on civil society groups remains to be seen.
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