The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has received its largest-ever donation, reigniting debates about the transparency and regulation of political party funding in Germany.

AfD Secures Record-Breaking €1.5 Million Donation

On Wednesday, the AfD received a €1.5 million donation from Winfried Stöcker, a multimillionaire and medical entrepreneur known for his controversial actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Stöcker faced legal penalties for organizing an unauthorized vaccination campaign using a self-developed vaccine.

This donation is the largest the AfD has ever received, far surpassing its previous record of €35,000. As Germany approaches elections on 23 February, the timing of the contribution has reignited scrutiny over how political parties are financed.

Unlike many EU countries, Germany has no cap on political donations, allowing individuals or corporations to donate unlimited amounts. While Germany’s election campaigns are less expensive than those in other countries, costs have been rising. Bundestag parties spent €235 million on campaigns in 2021, up from €184 million in 2017.

How German Political Parties Are Funded

Political parties in Germany rely on a combination of state funding, membership fees, elected officials’ contributions, and private or corporate donations.

State funding is the largest source of revenue, accounting for over one-third of party incomes. The amount each party receives depends on its performance in recent elections and the contributions it collects from members. Larger, established parties like the CDU and SPD benefit most, while smaller parties face greater challenges in securing adequate funds.

Membership contributions rank as the second-largest source of revenue, while private donations, though smaller in volume, can have outsized influence. State funding is capped at 50% of a party’s total income, encouraging diversification of revenue sources. In 2024, the Bundestag set the total state funding limit at €219 million.

Germany’s funding rules require donations over €35,000 to be reported to the Bundestag and made public, while those between €10,000 and €35,000 are disclosed in annual reports, often with a delay of two years.

Loopholes and Criticism

Critics have highlighted significant loopholes in Germany’s political funding system. For example, associations (Vereine) can collect donations over time and transfer them to political parties without immediate transparency.

The AfD has faced allegations of benefiting from a €6 million advertising campaign funded through a Swiss shell company between 2016 and 2018. Similarly, the left-wing nationalist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) was accused of using an affiliated association to funnel €1.6 million in donations.

Other major parties have also faced scrutiny. Investigations revealed that CDU district associations accepted €50,000 from a smuggling suspect, with the contributions split into smaller amounts under €10,000 to avoid reporting requirements.

Efforts to introduce stricter regulations, such as donation caps or faster disclosure requirements, have been debated but have faced opposition, particularly from the CDU.

Growing Concern Over Political Influence

Advocacy groups warn that unlimited donations give wealthy individuals and corporations disproportionate influence over Germany’s political landscape.

Aurel Eschmann from the NGO Lobby Control expressed concern about the AfD’s record donation. “This sets a dangerous precedent for far-right parties receiving open support from wealthy donors,” he said.

Eschmann called for urgent reforms, including a cap on donations, to safeguard Germany’s democratic processes and ensure fair political competition.