Financial Windfall for CDU and FDP: Analyzing Major Donations Post-Coalition Split

Wed 22nd Jan, 2025

Germany is currently in the midst of an expensive electoral campaign, and political parties are benefiting from significant financial contributions. Since the dissolution of the Ampel coalition, CDU, CSU, FDP, SPD, Greens, AfD, Volt, and the BSW have collectively raised over 15 million euros through large donations. The majority of these donations have come from various sectors of the economy, with a notable entity standing out due to a single donation amounting to 1.5 million euros.

In Germany, a large donation is defined as any contribution exceeding 35,000 euros, which parties must report to the Federal President immediately. Prior to March 2024, the threshold was set at 50,000 euros. Donations ranging from 10,000 to 35,000 euros appear in the parties' financial reports after a two-year delay, while contributions below 10,000 euros remain undisclosed.

In addition to donations, German political parties also receive funding through membership dues and state subsidies. So, who are the benefactors behind the millions raised since November 2024? Who supports whom, and where is this financial backing coming from? Eight interactive graphics from RND track the flow of these major donations since the end of the Ampel coalition.

According to the data, the CDU has garnered the largest share of these donations, totaling 5.4 million euros. Most of the donors are from the business sector, with some contributing to multiple parties.

The FDP, despite the recent coalition breakdown, has also seen significant support, receiving 4.3 million euros from various economic sectors, indicating continued confidence from the business community.

Meanwhile, the CSU, although a regional party, ranks third nationally in terms of donations, having received 1.62 million euros. While this amount pales in comparison to the CDU, it still represents a significant sum.

The SPD has also managed to secure one million euros from large donations since the coalition's end, with many of its donors also contributing to other parties.

On the other hand, the AfD has received a substantial single donation recently, reflecting continued financial support despite controversies surrounding the party.

For the Greens, the total amount of large donations stands at 725,000 euros since November 2024, which includes notable contributors that have attracted media attention.

Volt, a smaller political entity primarily known from the European elections, has received one significant donation, the highest among all parties since the coalition split.

Lastly, the BSW, a newly formed alliance, has also attracted donations, albeit with only one major contribution recorded since the coalition's dissolution.

As the 2025 federal elections approach, the influx of financial support is shaping the political landscape, with the CDU and FDP emerging as clear beneficiaries of business backing.


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