Skip to content
Bundestag — Erfurt — Extremism — German Federal States — German Press Agency — Household — Thuringia

Lack of federal funds: Democracy association Mobit faces problems

Lack of federal funds: Democracy association Mobit faces problems

,   and  ASMedia
2 min read
Lack of federal funds: Democracy association Mobit faces problems
Lack of federal funds: Democracy association Mobit faces problems

Difficulties Ahead for Democracy Consultancy Mobit in Thuringia

As the year ends and the Bundestag refuses to authorize a 2024 budget, Thuringian democracy advisors from Mobit find themselves in a tough financial situation. Romy Arnold, the project's head, revealed to the German Press Agency that the association will have to utilize its reserves to maintain employee salaries starting January 1. She anticipates they can survive until mid-March, even if the federal budget is approved in the coming weeks. Mobit assumes the reserves won't replenish under such circumstances.

While Mobit's predicament is milder compared to smaller democracy projects that must close due to insufficient reserves, the organization still serves a critical role in Thuringia's administration and state police, offering guidance on right-wing extremism. Employing ten individuals, the project boasts an annual budget of approximately €750,000; the federal government accounts for 75%, while Thuringia contributes the remaining 25%.

Due to the absence of a federally approved 2024 budget and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, responsible for federal funding, not granting early funding measure start-ups, Mobit cannot expect federal payments from January 1, 2024 – not even backdated. Projects in Germany typically receive state funding after securing financing decisions; preemptive work results in forfeiture of at least part of the state funding entitlement. However, the granting of funding decisions is contingent upon full financing of each funding program.

Because the federal budget is unavailable due to the Federal Constitutional Court's ruling on the traffic light coalition's past budget policy, corresponding funding programs are not funded and have been suspended. This rule of funding law can only be deviated if the funding provider allows early start-up to the measure, enabling potential recipients to commence their work and receive the full funding amount, sometimes even retroactively.

Initially intended for the possibility of an extended government formation following Thuringia's 2024 state elections, Mobit's reserves are now crucial for survival.

  • Despite experiencing financial challenges due to the refusal to approve a federal budget for 2024 by the Bundestag, Mobit continues to collaborate with Thuringia's administration and the state police, providing guidance on right-wing extremism.
  • The German Press Agency reported that Mobit, a democracy consultancy based in Thuringia, needed to draw upon its reserves to cover employee salaries from January 1, as the Bundestag declined to approve a 2024 budget.
  • The Bundestag's unwillingness to authorize a 2024 budget influenced the financial health of democracy projects all over Germany, triggering some to cease operations due to depleted reserves.

Source:

Enrichment Data:

The absence of a federal budget in Germany is not explicitly highlighted as impacting democracy consultancies specifically in Thuringia or any other regions. However, the budget shortfall has potential broader implications for democratic governance and stability in Germany. The following are some potential indirect consequences:

  1. Political Instability: A stalled budget can lead to political instability as various political parties have different views on financing. This instability can affect government institutions' functioning and their ability to make decisions, consequently impacting various sectors, including those related to democracy and governance.
  2. Economic Uncertainty: The lack of a budget fosters economic uncertainty, which may shape public opinion and political dynamics in Germany.
  3. Policy Implementation: Without a budget, policy implementation can be hampered, including measures related to democratic governance and social welfare.
  4. Public Perception: Failure to manage public finances appropriately can affect public trust in the government, with potential broader repercussions for democratic institutions and the overall health of democracy in Germany.

However, there is no specific information regarding the direct influences of the budget deficit on democracy consultancies across Germany, as the sources primarily focus on political and economic consequences of the shortfall instead of its impact on specific organizations or regions.

Latest