Overview

• Hans-Christoph Berndt says he gave a private donation to support the August 8–9 Golßen city festival amid local budget shortfalls
• SPD deputy leader Nadine Graßmel argues that a politician classified as right-wing extremist should not use community events for political leverage
• Volunteer mayor Andrea Schulz maintains that German law does not prohibit private individuals from sponsoring municipal festivities and calls the criticism politicized
• The AfD withdrew its injunction to delay the Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz’s classification and the Interior Ministry will make the extremist ruling public on August 14
• Golßen’s reliance on private and corporate sponsors highlights wider financial pressures facing small municipalities in Brandenburg