The AfD’s proposed patriotism test could reshape civil society through funding decisions

The AfD’s Saxony-Anhalt programme proposes requiring publicly funded associations to profess both democratic commitments and a patriotic outlook. Party politician Hans-Thomas Tillschneider named the democracy organization Miteinander as one that would not meet the party’s standard.

CORRECTIV examines the administrative mechanism behind the rhetoric. Many civic organizations depend on project grants lasting no more than a couple of years. Changing funding priorities can therefore squeeze antiracist, feminist or refugee-support work without dissolving an organization or prosecuting anyone.

Representatives describe uncertainty itself as damaging: staff and projects cannot plan around support they expect to lose. The article also considers the disruption even a legally contestable association ban could cause before courts resolve it.

Published before the election, this is an analysis of proposals and possible powers, not a report that the clause had already taken effect. Its central concern is the vulnerability created by short-term funding and broad political discretion.