Account termination of the Volksbank: attack on freedom of expression?

Account termination of the Volksbank: attack on freedom of expression?

Pirna, Deutschland - The Volksbank Pirna in Saxony has terminated the radio station counterpunk, which causes a stir in the criticism scene. The termination took place without justification, only with reference to an unnamed paragraph. Contra -Funk offers a wide range of content, including interviews with MPs from various parties, including CDU, CSU, SPD, FDP, AfD and LINKE. The broadcaster himself describes itself as a critical voice that is exposed to economic disadvantages. According to the broadcaster, economic measures are increasingly restricted by economic measures. Johannes Hahne von Kontrafunk warns of the beginning of this development and emphasizes that the case is not unique.

More and more banks can terminate accounts of opposition media and political deviations, a phenomenon called "de-banking". This tendency has been particularly pronounced since 2018 and not only affects counterfunk, but also other critical voices such as PI-News, riding racks, as well as various alternative media and activists. The first documented case of such account announcements in Germany goes back to the year 2000 when the party's account was terminated. The increasing account closings raise questions about freedom of expression and the role of banks in a democratic society.

growing challenge of freedom of expression

In recent years, the number of account announcements has increased dramatically, with around 40 dismissals per year. Affected people report economic damage caused by the closures, including a decline in donation volume by up to 50%. The banks often act on their own drive, for fear of calls for reputation and possible state requirements. This underlines the concerns that political activists and media are put under pressure, especially from left -wing media that stimulate banks to terminate.

The situation is tightened by the plans of the Interior Minister Nancy Faeser to debigate bank information to the protection of the constitution. At the same time, the federal government sees no need for action against "de-banking". Experts criticize that the legal situation remains complicated for those affected, since banks can end business relationships but must comply with legal provisions. The persons concerned often only have the way to act against the dismissals.

The call for more transparency

The practice of termination is often perceived as a targeted discrimination and influence on freedom of expression. Critics are therefore calling for a social debate as well as legal regulations on transparency and right of opposition for those affected. Suggestions include the creation of a state minimum account for all citizens and the development of clear rules for dealing with account announcements. The counterfunk case is just another indicator of the growing discrepancy between economic freedom and political expression.

at a time when the public discourse is intensified for various opinion, the question remains how banks should act in a democratic society. Do you become instruments that undermine or secure the freedom of expression, in the sense of your company values, the variety of views? Such considerations are essential to protect the balance between financial independence and the right to freedom of expression. Our Central Europe reports that these developments should be observed critically.

summarized it is clear: the account announcements are not only isolated cases, but also increase as a systemic problem that endangers freedom of expression in Germany. The need for transparency and a clear legal framework is becoming more and more urgent. Fassadenkratzer how different affected people experience the current situation, while anwalt.de indicates the challenges, which represent accounts for freedom of expression.