A Deep Dive into Political Donations Ahead of Germany’s 2025 Election

As Germany approaches its federal election on February 23, 2025, the financial dynamics of political party donations have become a focal point of discussion. Understanding the flow of funds provides insight into the political landscape, the influence of major donors, and the strategic priorities of parties as they vie for voter support.

Context of the 2025 Federal Election

The upcoming election, advanced from its original date due to the collapse of the governing coalition in 2024, is set against a backdrop of economic challenges, debates over immigration, and concerns about national security. Polls indicate a competitive race, with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leading, followed by the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens contending for third place[Reuters]. The political discourse has been heavily influenced by recent events, including economic decline and discussions on asylum policy.

Distribution of Donations Among Political Parties

As of February 14, 2025, the distribution of donations among Germany's major political parties is as follows:

• Alternative für Deutschland (AfD): €4.8 million

• Christian Democratic Union (CDU): €3.6 million

• Free Democratic Party (FDP): €2.6 million

• Social Democratic Party (SPD): €2.2 million

• Christian Social Union (CSU): €972,000

• The Greens (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen): €890,000

• The Left (Die Linke): €300,000

  
  

The AfD's leading position in fundraising is particularly noteworthy, reflecting a surge in financial support that may correlate with its rising prominence in national polls. The CDU and FDP also demonstrate robust fundraising capabilities, underscoring their established donor networks and appeal to business interests. In contrast, parties like The Greens and Die Linke have garnered comparatively modest sums, which may impact their campaign reach and voter engagement efforts.

Who are the biggest donors? Who are they donating to?

The political financing landscape is significantly influenced by a select group of high-value donors. Their contributions not only provide financial support but also signal ideological alignments and policy preferences. Below is an overview of these key contributors:

• Gerhard Dingler (AfD - €2,349,906.62): A prominent entrepreneur, Dingler's substantial donation underscores his alignment with the AfD's policy positions, particularly on issues such as national sovereignty and immigration.

• Bitpanda GmbH: This fintech company has strategically distributed its donations across multiple parties:

  • FDP: €500,000

  • SPD: €500,000

  • CSU: €250,000

  • CDU: €500,000

  Bitpanda's approach suggests a desire to influence financial and technological policy-making across the political spectrum, ensuring favorable conditions for the fintech industry regardless of the election outcome.

• Prof. Dr. Winfried Alexander Stöcker (AfD - €1,500,000): A medical professional and entrepreneur, Stöcker's significant contribution to the AfD highlights his support for the party's stance on healthcare reform and scientific research policies.

• Media Force GmbH (SPD - €1,500,000): As a media company, this substantial donation to the SPD indicates an investment in the party's communication strategies and policy positions, potentially aiming to influence media regulations and public broadcasting policies.

• Horst Jan Winter (AfD - €999,990): An individual donor, Winter's near-million-euro contribution reflects personal support for the AfD's platform, possibly driven by shared views on national identity and economic policy.

• Viessmann Generations Group GmbH & Co. KG: This company's donations are distributed among several parties:

  • The Greens: €50,000

  • FDP: €100,000

  • CDU: €255,000

  • SPD: €50,000

  • CSU: €100,000

  Viessmann's diversified contributions suggest an interest in influencing energy and environmental policies across party lines, likely aiming to advocate for sustainable energy solutions and favorable regulatory frameworks.

• Dieter Albert Richard Morszeck (FDP - €500,000): Known for his business ventures, Morszeck's donation to the FDP indicates support for the party's economic liberalism and pro-business policies, reflecting a desire for a favorable entrepreneurial environment.

• Prof. Dr. Max Schlereth c/o Hotel Das Viktualienmarkt (CDU - €500,000): As a figure in the hospitality industry, Schlereth's contribution to the CDU may reflect interests in tourism, business-friendly regulations, and urban development policies.

• Carsten Maschmeyer: A prominent businessman, Maschmeyer has made the following donations:

  • CSU: €50,000

  • FDP: €200,000

  • CDU: €200,000

  His financial support across these parties suggests a strategic approach to influencing economic and financial policies, particularly those affecting investment and venture capital sectors.

• vbm - Verband der Bayerischen Metall- und Elektro-Industrie e.V.: This industry association has contributed to:

  • FREIE WÄHLER: €52,000

  • FDP: €40,200

  • CSU: €272,000

A Strategic Play for Voter Attention

Between December 2024 and mid-February 2025, different parties have adopted distinct spending strategies, reflecting their campaign priorities, voter engagement tactics, and available financial resources.

The Greens Lead in Spending: Over €2 Million on Meta Ads

The Greens (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) have emerged as the biggest spender on Meta platforms, investing over €2 million in digital advertisements. Their most aggressive spending was recorded on a peak day of €94,000, signaling an intense effort to capture voter attention in a short timeframe. This significant investment suggests that the party is doubling down on digital engagement, likely focusing on climate-conscious and progressive voters, particularly younger demographics who are active on social media. The high spend also indicates an effort to counterbalance lower fundraising figures compared to other major parties.

FDP’s Consistent Growth: A Digital-First Approach

The Free Democratic Party (FDP) has allocated €1 million to Meta ads, maintaining a steady daily spend of €10,000 to €20,000 with an overall upward trend. This consistent approach suggests a long-term strategy, prioritizing brand-building and voter outreach over time, rather than sudden spikes in spending. The FDP’s strong presence in digital advertising aligns with its pro-business and tech-savvy voter base, who are more likely to engage with online campaign content.

SPD and Volt: Gradual Increase in Ad Spend

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Volt have collectively spent around €500,000, but SPD’s ad strategy has evolved notably in February. From February 2nd onward, SPD increased daily spending from €7,000 to €35,000 by February 10th. This escalation suggests a strategic pivot, possibly aimed at reinforcing its voter base or responding to emerging political narratives. Given the SPD’s declining poll numbers in recent years, this push indicates an attempt to boost engagement and mobilize undecided voters.

CDU’s Late Surge: Tactical Spending

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has spent a total of €420,000 on Meta ads, with a significant surge beginning February 5th, when daily spending crossed €20,000, peaking at €40,000 on February 11th. This sharp increase suggests a tactical push closer to election day, likely designed to counteract opposition messaging and sway undecided voters. CDU’s digital campaign could be focused on reinforcing its image as a stable governing force amid political uncertainty.

AfD’s Conservative Spending: A Shift in February

The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has taken a relatively conservative approach to Meta ad spending, with a total of €200,000 allocated so far. During late January, the party maintained a modest daily budget of €1,500, but in February, daily spending exceeded €8,000. This shift indicates a more aggressive push closer to the election, possibly in response to polling trends or internal party decisions.

Key Takeaways

• The Greens are leading digital spending, focusing heavily on Meta platforms to push their campaign messaging.

• FDP is employing a steady, long-term digital strategy, gradually increasing its visibility among voters.

• SPD and CDU are ramping up their spending in February, suggesting a reactive approach to campaign developments.

• AfD has been cautious but increased its spending in February, potentially signaling a last-minute push for voter engagement.