Germany’s highest court has ruled that a small far-right party will not receive state funding for the next six years. The party, known as Die Heimat, was deemed ineligible for funding due to its unconstitutional values and goals, which are aimed at undermining German democracy. The Federal Constitutional Court stated that Die Heimat, formerly known as the National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD), continues to disregard the country’s free democratic basic order and seeks to eliminate it. The court’s decision was unanimous, with presiding judge Doris Koenig explaining that the party’s political concept contradicts the guarantee of human dignity outlined in Germany’s constitution. Die Heimat’s ethnic concept of German identity promotes a disregard for foreigners, migrants, and minorities, violating human dignity and the principle of legal equality. The German government, along with the lower and upper houses of parliament, took the party to court, presenting evidence of its racist ideology, including anti-Muslim and antisemitic views, as well as its rejection of transgender individuals.
Political parties in Germany receive financial support based on their representation in various levels of government. Die Heimat had not received any state funding since 2021, and in 2016, it received approximately 370,600 euros (£317,000) when it obtained 3.02% of the vote in a state election. While the party’s leader, Frank Franz, downplayed the significance of the ruling, stating that it would not hinder their activities, the court’s decision underscores the government’s rejection of funding for parties that pose a threat to democracy. Another far-right party in Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), has seen significant support in recent opinion polls. Despite discussions among leading politicians about attempting to ban or exclude AfD from financial aid, no serious attempts have been made yet. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser welcomed the court’s ruling, stating that it sends a clear signal that enemies of the constitution should not receive any state funding. The decision is seen as an additional measure to protect German democracy, even though formidable constitutional hurdles remain for future proceedings. Overall, this ruling serves as a firm stance against far-right parties that aim to undermine the country’s democratic principles and values.
