The Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Free Democrats (FDP) agree on many issues but there are a few areas on which the two sides do not see eye to eye. One of those is the existence of an entirely independent development ministry, which outgoing Social Democrat development minister Heidemarie Wiezcorek-Zeul once said was the envy of many nations.

Most industrialized countries incorporate the development portfolio into their foreign ministries, which – if the FDP has its way – is the path that Germany will also take. That would leave party leader Guido Westerwelle, expected to take over as foreign minister, in charge of development aid.

The FDP's view could prove to be a point of contention in coalition talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats, who do not support the abolition of the development ministry.

Claudia Warning, the head of VENRO, an umbrella organization for development aid groups, says a strong ministry will ensure that aid commitments are adhered to, despite a strained budget in the wake of the global financial crisis.

"After all, the rich industrialized nations caused the current crisis," Warning said. "The poorer countries must not be punished for it by less development aid coming their way in the future."

No aid for China

Westerwelle wants Germany to stop sending aid to rapidly industrializing nations, such as China, India and Brazil, saying it makes no sense to send millions of euros to such countries while the government is unable to balance the budget at home.

This stance has the German Green party up in arms. Greens lawmaker Thilo Hoppe told Deutsche Welle that only a separate ministry would be capable of dealing with the challenges ahead.

"If you just attach development aid to the foreign ministry, as has been done in other countries, it's bound to only play a marginal role," Hoppe said.

The introduction of the first independent development ministry in 1961 was championed by Walter Scheel, a leading member of the Free Democrats, who was later elected as the federal president of the former West Germany.


Author: Hardy Graupner (ca)
Editor: Andreas Illmer