03.06.2026 | No Compromises on Artistic Freedom and Human Dignity
Last weekend, AfD Berlin presented its election programme for the state election in September, calling it a 'complete new beginning'. What that means: housing subsidies based on ethnic origin, 'remigration', more surveillance, 'order and cleanliness'. An agenda that categorises people and distributes rights based on origin and loyalty to the state. This anti-democratic, unsolidary programme is absolutely incompatible with the fundamental values of artistic freedom, freedom of expression and an open society.
The consequences of AfD participation in government from September 2026 would be severe
The new AfD 'government programme' for Saxony-Anhalt shows the possible impact: political interference in artistic freedom and all areas of social life. Education, science, integration and freedom of religion are at risk. The party openly speaks of 'healing' through a 'new patriotic cultural policy' and demands a stronger focus on the 'good sides of German history'. It plans to judge itself whether art contributes to 'German identity formation' and will only then approve funding.
When the newly adopted Cultural Funding Act of the state parliament in Saxony-Anhalt – which enshrines art and culture as a state goal for the first time – was voted on, the AfD parliamentary group abstained. Its deputy parliamentary leader Tillschneider left no doubt: the law would be 'changed a little' upon taking power. Which can mean many things. And nothing good.
'What is happening in Saxony-Anhalt right now is a warning signal for the entire republic. Those who tie art to national identity are not creating culture, they are creating propaganda.' – Frauke Boggasch, Co-Spokesperson bbk berlin
Artistic freedom is a lesson from fascism
Artistic freedom was enshrined in Article 5, Paragraph 3 of the Basic Law as a direct lesson from fascism, a consequence of the experience of what happens when the state ideologically co-opts and instrumentalises art. Its threat is not a regional phenomenon. Cultural institutions and organisations across Germany are already under pressure, artists are self-censoring out of fear of consequences, and marginalised people are being massively threatened from the right. This affects Saxony-Anhalt. This affects Berlin. This affects all of us!
'Art is accessible, open to all and committed to democratic thinking. It asks questions, sparks reflection and stands for the inviolability of human dignity. Racism and exclusion are incompatible with this – and are firmly rejected by bbk berlin.' – Birgit Cauer, Co-Spokesperson bbk berlin
On 6 September, Saxony-Anhalt decides.
On 28 September, Berlin decides.
Both are decisions about direction – for or against an open society, for or against the freedom of art, culture and opinion.
Go and vote!
Frauke Boggasch and Birgit Cauer,
Spokespersons bbk berlin