According to the FAZ, the Bundestag held its first reading of the Sports Promotion Act on Thursday. The bill, introduced by Minister of State Christiane Schenderlein (CDU), aims to boost elite sports in Germany. Schenderlein called it a “paradigm shift” and a “milestone.”
However, the debate revealed differing views on key points. One contentious issue is whether Safe Sport measures – specifically membership in the new Center for Safe Sport – should be a prerequisite for funding. The draft does not make this mandatory. The composition of the bodies of the elite sports agency is also sparking debate: the Greens and the AfD are calling for athlete representatives on the foundation board, while the SPD wants a “real say” for athletes.
Criticism of the bill came from Christian Görke (Left Party), who called the planned agency “Politburo 2.0.” Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) responded with a laugh from the government bench. There is also dissent within the coalition: the SPD is pushing for greater distance from the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), while the Union’s sports policy spokesperson, Stephan Mayer, wants to strengthen the DOSB’s role on the foundation board.
Parallel to the Bundestag debate, the Berlin House of Representatives voted in favor of the Senate’s Olympic plans with the votes of the CDU, SPD, and AfD. One Left Party deputy also voted in favor, breaking with his party line. The Greens rejected the plans – they could become pivotal after the state election on September 20.
EuroPulse reported on May 16, 2026, about former ambassador Grenell’s criticism of Merz following his statement on the USA (link).
Source: www.faz.net
