Richard Parks The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) received a historic €1.5 million donation, raising questions about political funding rules in Germany.
AfD’s Largest-Ever Donation Comes From Controversial Donor
The donation was made by Winfried Stöcker, a multimillionaire and medical entrepreneur, known for running an unauthorized COVID-19 vaccination campaign in 2021. This contribution is the largest in the AfD’s history, far exceeding its previous record of €35,000.
The timing of the donation, ahead of Germany’s elections on 23 February, has reignited concerns about the influence of wealthy donors. Unlike many EU countries, Germany places no cap on the size of donations to political parties.
While Germany’s campaign costs are modest by international standards, spending has increased significantly. Bundestag parties spent €235 million in the 2021 elections, up from €184 million in 2017.
How Are Political Parties in Germany Funded?
Political parties in Germany rely on a mix of state funding, membership fees, contributions from elected officials, and private donations.
State funding accounts for the largest share, determined by election performance and member contributions. Larger parties like the CDU and SPD benefit most, while smaller parties struggle to compete. Membership contributions form the second-largest revenue source, while private donations, though smaller, can have outsized impacts.
Despite calls for reform, Germany does not limit the size of donations. All contributions over €35,000 must be publicly disclosed, while those between €10,000 and €35,000 appear in annual reports published after a two-year delay.
Loopholes and Transparency Concerns
Critics highlight loopholes that undermine transparency, such as the use of associations (Vereine) to funnel donations to parties. The AfD has faced allegations of benefiting from an illegal €6 million campaign via a Swiss shell company, while other parties, including the CDU, have also been implicated in questionable funding practices.
Efforts to impose stricter regulations, such as donation caps or earlier disclosure of smaller contributions, have faced political resistance.
Fears of Undue Influence
Aurel Eschmann of the NGO Lobby Control described the AfD’s donation as troubling. “Wealthy donors openly supporting far-right parties sets a dangerous precedent,” he said.
Eschmann called for a cap on party donations to prevent undue influence on Germany’s democratic process.