CDU initiative for more transparency: the city councils argue about democracy?

CDU initiative for more transparency: the city councils argue about democracy?

Schmalkalden-Meiningen, Deutschland - In Suhl, a recently adopted change in the awarding process of public funding ensures a storm in the water glass of local politics. The initiative for revision goes back to the CDU, which would like to achieve more transparency in the award. But not all factions are happy about this advance. The city councilors of the left and Greens have already expressed their concerns and criticize the changes as a political influence that could endanger the independence of civil society projects. mdr reports .

The background is explosive: Funding providers from the federal and state governments have clearly stipulated that only civil society and no political actors can decide on the award. The Suhl administration, on the other hand, explains that the new procedure is legally permissible. It remains to be seen how the new structures will be implemented in concrete terms, because the corresponding regulations are invalid. According to the administration, even the “intercultural week” planned for September could fall into the water if the new concept does not apply in time.

CDU and political neutrality

The debate about political neutrality and influence also raises questions that extend far beyond the city limits. On February 24, 2025, the CDU/CSU faction in the Bundestag submitted a small request to political neutrality state-funded organizations. The occasion included demonstrations against the CDU, supported by various non -profit associations. From a CDU perspective, there is a clear connection between the party political influence and the public financing of such projects, such as celler press reported .

The focus is on organizations that are active against right -wing extremism, such as the association "Grandma's Against Right". Here it becomes clear that the CDU questions the financing of such organizations because it wants to distance itself from political opinion formation. Critics, including the Green MP Konstantin von Notz, see this request a potential intimidation of civil society engagement. Because the tax code allows political educational work, but rejects a party political influence.

funding in view

Development goes hand in hand with a broad discussion about the awarding of funding for democracy projects. Programs like "Live democracy!" are also on the list of observations that are part of a larger strategy for extremism prevention. They promote the strengthening of the democratic participation, as the Federal Central for Political Education . These develop programs that promote social cohesion and act against extremism.

Not only nationwide something is happening. Many federal states have launched their own programs for democracy promotion that support local initiatives. Whether Thuringia, Brandenburg or Saxony: The commitment of civil society actors is both funded and critically questioned. It remains to be seen how these debates are developing and what effects they will have on the political landscape in Germany.