German Taxpayers Funding Their Own Demise

The German government’s “Live Democracy!” program, financed with taxpayer funds, operates as a massive funding apparatus primarily benefiting left-wing and far-left groups. Rather than genuinely promoting democracy as proclaimed, it focuses on combating the “far right” while bolstering a culture of left-wing defamation and denunciation across the country.

Germans are increasingly unwilling to tolerate this. In response, ordinary citizens have initiated a petition that, as of September 26, has collected over 30,000 signatures. The petition calls for an immediate cessation of state funding for left-liberal nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Its organizers accuse federal and state governments of disbursing hundreds of millions of euros annually to these entities without a clear, transparent strategy. The “Live Democracy!” program is highlighted as a prime example.

The petition asserts: “‘Live Democracy!’ perfectly exemplifies the broader issue.” It criticizes how these funds “often flow into the pockets—or coffers—of radical leftists.” Although CDU leader Friedrich Merz pledged before the election to “drain the funding swamp and end support for radical leftists,” the current coalition has done the opposite.

Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Johann Wadephul (CDU) has classified his ministry’s funding activities as confidential, while Family Affairs Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has even raised the program’s budget from 182 million to 191 million euros.

According to the initiators, projects under this umbrella—such as those addressing “antifeminism” or probing “institutional racism”—serve an ulterior purpose: “In reality, most NGOs are not focused on strengthening democracy; their goal is to embed left-wing ideologies deeply into society’s mainstream, using any means necessary. This extends to educational institutions, sports clubs, the internet—every facet of life is being reshaped to align with left-wing views.

Public funding enables ‘dedicated ideologues’ to pursue this agenda full-time, with taxpayers covering costs for office space, equipment, and promotion. The primary targets include ‘conservatives, Christians, and anyone who deviates from the left-wing mainstream’.” The petition concludes: “It is high time to shut down this self-service outlet for the SPD, Greens, Left Party, and their affiliated networks, and to cut off funding for left-wing front organizations.” It urges an immediate funding freeze, the repeal of the Foundation Financing Act, and full transparency on prior disbursements.

Meanwhile, the latest harassment against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) involves the German Bundestag denying access to several employees of AfD parliamentary group members. Three building pass applications were rejected, and one employee’s IT system access was revoked.

The Bundestag press office cited “security-critical findings” from background checks as the basis. An AfD spokesperson confirmed the rejections, noting notifications in the same week.

The administration explained that “actual and concrete indications” of potential anti-constitutional activities could jeopardize the Bundestag’s functionality, operations, and the safety of parliamentarians and visitors. Issuing passes would risk the institution’s “security, integrity, and trustworthiness”.

Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) stated: “The Bundestag is an open parliament, yet it’s the heart of our democracy, which we must safeguard. No compromises on internal or external security.” She highlighted the “multitude and severity” of findings justifying the decisions.

Notably, only the AfD is impacted—no similar actions against other groups. It’s unclear if the AfD will sue, but the group pledges full support to affected members in resolving the issue.