Government Threatens Funding for Non-Profits Engaged in Political Activism
The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has accused non-profit organizations of engaging in partisan political actions against the party, its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), and its candidate for Chancellor, Friedrich Merz.
CDU deputy parliamentary leader Mathias Middelberg told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung that organizations engaging in activities such as protests "that stir up emotions" risk losing their special tax status. "Such behavior is certainly no longer charitable and not worthy of being supported by public tax revenues," the CDU politician criticized.
Middelberg was referring to recent demonstrations criticizing the Union for its joint vote with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on immigration issues. Some of these protests were organized by non-profit organizations. Similarly, organizations funded by the federal government or that explicitly state their political neutrality in their statutes, such as environmental protection organizations, had called for protests against the opposition.
"Demonstrations for democracy and against right-wing extremism are completely okay," Middelberg said in the NOZ. However, he argued that protests against the CDU and Friedrich Merz "are no longer generally pro-democracy, but simply partisan." In the heated phase of the Bundestag election campaign, he added, such actions aim to influence the outcome in favor of individual parties.
As a budgetary expert for his parliamentary group, Middelberg announced that the corresponding federal funding programs "will be very closely examined with regard to the beneficiaries and, if necessary, completely eliminated." Specifically, he mentioned the "Democracy Lives" program of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs under Minister Lisa Paus (Greens).
Critics Denounce Threats
The accusations and threats have sparked outrage among non-profit organizations and opposition politicians. The German Donors’ Association condemned the move as "an attack on free expression and civic society."
Social Democratic Party (SPD) leader Lars Klingbeil accused the CDU of trying to intimidate organizations that exercise their constitutional right to protest. "The CDU is once again showing its true colors," said Klingbeil. "Instead of accepting criticism, they want to silence it."
Background
The controversy stems from the CDU/CSU’s decision to vote with the AfD in a resolution on immigration in the Bundestag. The resolution, which condemned illegal migration and called for stricter border controls, was supported by all parties except the Greens and the Left Party.
Critics argued that the CDU/CSU’s vote legitimized the AfD, a party accused of racism, xenophobia, and anti-Semitism. Non-profit organizations, trade unions, and other civil society groups organized protests in response.
Implications for Non-Profits
If the CDU/CSU follows through on its threats, it could have significant implications for non-profit organizations that engage in political activism. Many of these organizations rely on government funding to carry out their work, which could be cut off if they are deemed to be engaging in partisan activities.
Critics warn that such a move would not only stifle dissent but also undermine the role of non-profit organizations in a democratic society. Non-profits play a crucial role in holding governments accountable, advocating for social justice, and promoting civic engagement.
The debate over the limits of non-profit political activism is likely to continue in the lead-up to the Bundestag elections in September 2021.
