Elisabeth Kaiser (SPD) to boost Eastern German civil society with new funding program and 10 million Euro budget increase by 2027

The budget for the Federal Government Commissioner for Eastern Germany, Elisabeth Kaiser (SPD), is set to be increased by ten million euros in 2027. This funding will be used to establish a new program to strengthen civic engagement and social cohesion in Eastern Germany. This was decided by the Bundestag Budgetary Committee during its clearing session on Thursday evening, according to "Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland" (Friday editions).

Kaiser confirmed this. The "Protective Shield for Civil Society in Eastern Germany," she said to newspapers, stands. Ten million euros is a strong signal from the German Bundestag. This is because civic engagement requires financial support, not just applause. With this, they will be able to support those who defend the values of cohesion, tolerance, and diversity daily.

The SPD politician added that democracy is the foundation for prosperity, innovation, and security. With this money, she will now launch a program that supports democracy defenders in Eastern Germany and counteracts the growing right-wing populism. The 2027 budget is scheduled to be approved by the Bundestag at the end of November.

Kaiser had met with representatives of Eastern German civil society on October 19 to discuss the situation. Saxony-Anhalt was particularly well represented there. The AfD had won the state election with a large lead in that state.