Green Party Fined Over Unauthorized Campaign Projection on Munich’s Siegestor
The Munich Department of Public Order (KVR) has issued fines totaling 6,948 euros to the Green Party and a contracted advertising firm following an illegal campaign stunt on the city’s historic Siegestor monument. The penalty follows a high-profile projection that sparked nationwide criticism during the 2025 federal election campaign.
On January 3, 2025, a portrait of Robert Habeck—who served as the party’s chancellor candidate, vice chancellor, and economy minister at the time—was projected onto the monument for one hour. The installation featured the slogan “Bündniskanzler. Ein Mensch. Ein Wort.” according to reports on the unauthorized advertisement.
Local authorities, including the police and the KVR, confirmed that no permit had been granted for the projection. Hanna Sammüller, head of the KVR, stated that election advertising on monuments is fundamentally not permissible. The action was terminated by police after one hour.
The resulting financial penalty is split between the party and the agency responsible for the installation. The federal headquarters of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen has been ordered to pay 4,728.50 euros, while the advertising company and its managers are responsible for 2,219.50 euros. Officials noted that the specific amount of the fine was determined in part by the significant nationwide attention the projection received, as detailed by local reporting on the illegal projection.
The parties involved are accused of disregarding monument protection regulations and conducting election advertising outside of designated areas. This case underscores the strict enforcement of heritage protection laws in Munich, where historical landmarks are shielded from political branding.
The fine notices were distributed this week. However, the penalties are not yet legally binding, as the affected parties maintain the right to contest the decisions, according to city officials.
