Demonstrations have taken place in several German cities in recent weeks, with hundreds of thousands of people protesting against the collaboration between the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. This cooperation led to the adoption of stricter migration policies and the breakdown of the so-called firewall between traditional parties and the far right in Germany.

The protests were organized by various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Omas gegen Rechts (Grandmothers against the Right) and environmental groups. These organizations are funded through donations, member fees, and state subsidies. They are also eligible for tax breaks. However, their legal situation is delicate as they are prohibited from directly supporting political parties.

The CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), have called into question the legitimacy of their state support due to their involvement in these protests. They argue that by organizing the demonstrations, these organizations violated the principle of maintaining political neutrality. CDU/CSU are now investigating whether some NGOs have benefited unfairly from state funding.

The controversy surrounding the protests centers on the definition of political neutrality. While some see the protests as having a political agenda, others argue that they are in line with civil society’s role in upholding constitutional principles, including human rights and environmental protection. The debate reflects a broader discussion among experts about the balance between freedom of expression and political neutrality.

In response to the pressure exerted by the CDU/CSU, organizations such as Reporters Without Borders criticize the move as an attempt to silence civil society. Others, like the Society for Civil Rights, argue that their actions help maintain the open democratic dialogue guaranteed by the German Basic Law. This issue has also strained the relationship between the CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), potentially affecting coalition negotiations.

The ongoing debates have highlighted the challenges of regulation and funding of political activism in Germany, with significant implications for civil society and political expression.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-s-conservatives-scrutinize-state-support-for-ngos/a-71794579?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf