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Berlin, October 18, 2026 – Elisabeth Kaiser (SPD), the Federal Commissioner for Eastern Germany, is advocating for a ‘protective shield’ and financial security for East German civil society. This demand comes amidst concerns about the potential takeover of government by the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt.
Kaiser: ‘Democracy Defenders Under Massive Pressure’
“East German civil society needs a protective shield,” Kaiser stated in an interview with the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland.” She emphasized that “democracy defenders in the East are under massive pressure. They are to be silenced and blocked by having their financial basis withdrawn. Yet, they are the glue that holds our society together.”
Kaiser stressed the importance of the federal government standing firmly by those who defend democratic values daily. “Democracy is the foundation for our prosperity, for innovation and security. That is why I am strongly committed to financially securing the democracy infrastructure in East Germany.”
Expert Discussion Scheduled with Finance Minister Klingbeil
To address these concerns, Kaiser has invited 24 representatives of East German civil society to an expert discussion on Monday. Federal Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD), under whom Kaiser serves as Minister of State, is also expected to participate.
The discussion will focus on the current situation and explore how funding instruments can be designed to be effective under the prevailing local conditions in East Germany.
Source: https://www.berlinstory.de/news/ostbeauftragte-will-schutzschild-fuer-zivilgesellschaft/
