Political party CDU/CSU halts 30 million euro transfer to Palestinian Authority, igniting debate over foreign assistance
The German government's planned transfer of 30 million euros to the Palestinian Authority has been temporarily halted, according to the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. This decision comes amidst concerns about the transparency of the funds' usage and the need to exclude projects that could potentially threaten Israel's security.
On Friday, Jürgen Hardt, CDU/CSU foreign policy spokesman, discussed the issue of financial support for the Palestinian Authority with broadcasters RTL and ntv. However, Hardt did not comment on the halt of the planned transfer nor did he express reservations against the transfer itself.
The halted funds are aimed at helping Palestinian structures that are reportedly on the brink of collapse due to the lack of tax revenues. The planned payment was initiated by Federal Minister of Development Cooperation Reem Alabali-Radovan (SPD), and required the consent of Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil (SPD) and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU).
CSU parliamentary group leader Alexander Hoffmann confirmed reservations against the transfer, stating that there is a need for clarification regarding the funds and projects that endanger Israel's security must be excluded. Hardt, on the other hand, emphasised the importance of knowing how the funds will be used by the Palestinian Authority.
Despite the temporary halt, Hardt did not mention abandoning the million-euro plan for the Palestinian Authority. He also did not indicate a change in the internal discussions regarding the Israeli government's non-payment of tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority.
Hardt believes the Palestinian Authority, despite not receiving funds from Israel, can continue its work and is a stabilizing factor in the region. Budget politicians from the Union have expressed strong criticism of the planned payment, but Hardt stated that a decision on the funds will be made as part of a normal budget process.
The German government, including Chancellor Merz and Finance Minister Klingbeil, supports the aid intended to offset Israeli withholding of Palestinian tax revenues. Discussions about the payments are ongoing, and the German government has not abandoned the million-euro plan for the Palestinian Authority.
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