German taxpayer-funded Habeck documentary sparks nepotism backlash ahead of 2025 election

Why is a documentary about Germany’s vice chancellor dividing the nation? Critics slam its public funding as the election looms—and demand answers.

, and Administrator

2025 December 2 . 9:13 AM

1 min read

In this image there is a conference in which there are people sitting in chair and listening to the... — In this image there is a conference in which there are people sitting in chair and listening to the people who are on the stage. It seems like an event in which there is a conversation between the media people and the owners. At the background there is a big hoarding and the wall beside it.

German taxpayer-funded Habeck documentary sparks nepotism backlash ahead of 2025 election

A new documentary about former German vice chancellor Robert Habeck has sparked controversy over public funding. The film, titled Jetzt.Wohin., received €270,793.95 in taxpayer money. Critics have accused the project of nepotism and called it a 'pure personality cult'. The movie follows Habeck’s campaign trail ahead of the February 2025 general election. It was produced with support from the German Federal Film Fund, the German Federal Film Board, and the Film and Media Foundation NRW. Habeck himself did not receive any payment for his involvement. The controversy highlights tensions over how taxpayer money is allocated in Germany's film industry. With the premiere approaching, the documentary remains at the centre of political and public scrutiny. Calls for reform in the funding system are likely to persist.