A coalition of more than 200 organizations has expressed strong disapproval of a controversial inquiry issued by the Union regarding the support of civil society initiatives. In an open letter, these groups accused the CDU and CSU parties of casting a shadow over voluntary organizations, non-profit societies, foundations, and NGOs, implying they are under suspicion. The letter emphasizes that as the largest faction in the German Bundestag and a prospective governing party, there is a heightened responsibility to uphold democratic principles and foster societal cohesion. The letter asserts that an engaged and critical citizenry is not a disruptive element but rather a vital component of democracy that strengthens the nation. Among the signatories are prominent organizations such as Amnesty International, the group Gesicht zeigen!, and Omas gegen Rechts, alongside various labor unions, social advocacy groups, religious organizations, and anti-extremism counseling services. The inquiry was initiated by the Union the day after the federal elections, aiming to gather information on the promotion of non-profit organizations through 551 specific questions. This includes inquiries about media organizations like Correctiv and Netzwerk Recherche, as well as groups opposing right-wing extremism. The list also features Omas gegen Rechts and environmental organizations such as Greenpeace and BUND. The Union's request has sparked protests, which they attribute to the response against the CDU's migration policy proposals that garnered backing from the AfD in the Bundestag. The inquiry suggests that some of these protests were organized or endorsed by charitable organizations or those receiving state funding. However, several affected groups, including Greenpeace, have clarified that they have never received state subsidies for their activities. Moreover, the Union's approach has faced internal criticism, with former CDU Secretary General Ruprecht Polenz warning against intimidating civil society organizations. The open letter, directed at Union faction leaders Friedrich Merz and Alexander Dobrindt, expresses dismay at the party's perspective on civic organizations. It calls for democratic parties to refrain from undermining civil engagement through public skepticism and potential legal ramifications, especially in times of increasing social unrest.