SPD objects to PRIEN without subsidy oversight
In a move that has sparked debate, Education Minister Karin Prien has proposed to revise the 'Democracy Lives!' program, raising concerns among various political parties and organisations.
According to Jasmina Hostert, family policy spokeswoman for the SPD, Prien's statements regarding the program are 'extremely confusing.' Hostert emphasized the indispensable daily contribution local partnerships make towards the protection of democracy. The SPD stands firmly by the side of 'democratic civil society,' she added.
The Education Minister's proposal has been met with criticism from the Left Party as well. Member of the Bundestag Clara Bünger stated that the proposal weakens initiatives fighting against right-wing extremism, racism, and anti-Semitism.
Prien's plan is to make it possible to reclaim funding from recipients who 'do not support our democracy, but contribute to undermining it.' This has led to concerns about the potential politicisation of funding decisions.
Franz Zobel, project manager of the organisation Ezra, called for a clear commitment to financing offers for alleged victims of right-wing violence. Zobel expressed concerns about the capacities of his counseling center being barely sufficient.
The Education Minister's predecessor government had been criticised for funding left-wing extremists who drew attention with anti-Semitic slogans. In light of this, Sylvia Pantel, former CDU Bundestag member and current federal deputy chairwoman of the Werteunion, has demanded that Prien thoroughly investigates the organisations receiving funding under the 'Democracy Lives!' program.
For the coming year, 191 million euros are planned for 'Democracy Lives!', which is 10 million euros more than in the current year. Despite the SPD's belief that a further review of organisations from the program is not necessary, as the selection of funded projects and carriers is 'transparent and professionally sound,' as Hostert stated, the Education Minister wants to work more closely with security authorities to review suspicious organisations in the funding program.
Maica Vierkant, managing director of the 'Brandenburg Action Alliance,' spoke of 'unsubstantiated generalizations' and 'stirring up against democratic civil society.' Felix Kolb, managing director of the left-wing campaign organization Campact, complained that Prien's announcement creates a 'climate of mistrust.'
A spokesman for the Education Minister's ministry has confirmed that the funding guidelines are currently being revised and coordinated with institutions such as the Federal Court of Auditors. Misappropriation or misuse of funds, according to Pantel, can be easily checked but requires political clout.
The controversy surrounding the 'Democracy Lives!' program continues to unfold, with both sides emphasising the importance of transparency, accountability, and the protection of democratic values.
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