03.11.2022
The Desiderius Erasmus Foundation celebrates its fifth anniversary.
Birthday on 15 November in Berlin
On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Desiderius Erasmus Foundation
explains the chairwoman of the foundation, Erika Steinbach:
„On 15 November 2022, our Desiderius Erasmus Foundation (DES)
five years old.
The path to establishing the foundation was fraught with many obstacles. Through selfless
Involvement in the preliminary phase of the foundation and thereafter until its establishment
and subsequent recognition as a foundation affiliated with the AfD
past and present members have contributed to its existence through their tenacity.
Since then, DES has been the only conservative political foundation in the
pre-political space with educational events of various kinds.
To date, all tasks have been carried out on a largely voluntary basis.
achieved. We were able to organise around 200 events without public funding through
the help of many donors and friends to this day.
These include two large conferences, several weekend seminars, numerous
Lectures across the country and our web seminars.
A birthday party should not really be an occasion to talk about money.
speak. In our case, it's different. The other six political
Foundations are sharing €659 million this year alone
Although, according to the agreements that have been customary up to now, our
If the foundation were entitled to funds, all the others in the German
The parties represented in the Bundestag agreed not to give the DES any
a single penny. In a profoundly undemocratic and
even unlawful, defamatory and libellous nature was established
our foundation, through its method of non-funding, ranks alongside
Enemies of the constitution and racists.
If in one of our neighbouring countries – e.g. Hungary or Poland – such
if legitimate opposition forces were treated fairly, then
the harshest criticism of this came from Germany. We will not under any circumstances
accept, but if necessary take it all the way to the European
Human Rights Court.
But first, I rely on the legal awareness of the Federal Constitutional Court.
in reaching its decision in the current proceedings.
In any case, we will continue to pursue the tasks we have set ourselves with
Commitment and passion based on the foundations of our constitutional state
continue on a voluntary basis and with the help of numerous friends and supporters.
As democrats, we are committed to the future of our country,
for democracy, the rule of law and freedom of expression. But also for a
Germany's future as a nation. As the only conservative political foundation and
educational institutions in Germany, we want to lay the intellectual foundations for
lay the foundations for political renewal in our country.“