Berlin Court of Auditors Rules Antisemitism Project Funding Illegal

The Berlin Court of Auditors has determined that the allocation of €2.5 million in funding for 13 projects against antisemitism in 2025 was illegal. The audit found that the city's cultural administration violated budget regulations by selecting projects arbitrarily, without transparent criteria, and failing to properly review applications. Six of the 13 projects, receiving €2 million, should not have been funded from the designated budget. The funding was championed by the CDU parliamentary group, with Culture Senator Sarah Wedl-Wilson approving the grants. The court demands clear rules, substantive reviews, and legally sound procedures. In anticipation of the report, State Secretary Oliver Friederici was dismissed on March 18, 2025, after reportedly warning against the unlawful allocations. The opposition views his firing as a distraction. The Berlin House of Representatives established a parliamentary investigation committee in December 2024. Chat messages from CDU faction leader Dirk Stettner and budget politician Christian Goiny pressuring Wedl-Wilson for payment were read in committee, though lawmakers deny improper influence. The projects may face repayment demands.