German Political Donations Reveal Stark Disparities as Parties Face Year-End Financial Review
As the year draws to a close, Germany’s political landscape is undergoing its traditional financial scrutiny – a process mirroring the year-end accounting found in the private sector. The focus is particularly sharp on large donations exceeding €35,000, and the initial results paint a concerning picture for at least one governing party.
The financial reports, recently published by the Bundestag, reveal significant differences in fundraising success among Germany’s major political forces. For the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the figures are particularly bleak: since the federal election in late February, the party has received a total of €0 in reportable donations. This stands in stark contrast to the €2.3 million raised during the election campaign itself.
However, even that amount pales in comparison to the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which secured €5.1 million in donations throughout the year. This fundraising advantage comes as Baden-Württemberg prepares to hold its state elections in March 2026, making the financial disparity all the more significant. SPD party leader Lars Klingbeil and the party’s top candidate for Baden-Württemberg, Andreas Stoch, face an uphill battle.
The AfD’s fundraising lead is further complicated by a substantial donation of €2.35 million currently being held by the Bundestag administration. Authorities have flagged the contribution as a potential straw donation originating from billionaire Henning Conle, 81. The AfD is currently pursuing legal action at the Berlin Administrative Court to reclaim the funds.
Despite the influx of cash, experts caution that financial contributions do not guarantee electoral success. The Free Democratic Party (FDP) provides a recent example, having raised approximately €3.2 million – including €3 million before the February election – yet ultimately falling below the 5% threshold required to remain in the Bundestag, securing only 4.3% of the second vote.
The issue of large donations continues to draw criticism, with organizations like Transparency International voicing concerns about potential undue influence on political decision-making. Contributions of €35,000 or more are required to be immediately reported to Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) and subsequently published in a timely manner.
Leading the pack in 2025 was the center-right Union bloc (CDU and CSU), collectively amassing nearly €7.9 million in donations – traditionally sourced from small and medium-sized enterprises and industry. The Green Party received approximately €1.2 million, while the Left Party reported €300,000 in contributions, according to the Bundestag’s published data.
