Leading economists are sharply criticizing the Confederation of Family Businesses (Familienunternehmenverband) for its recent shift towards engagement with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, branding the move as politically dubious and economically reckless.
Jens Südekum, personal economic advisor to Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), told “Handelsblatt” that the Confederation’s overtures to the AfD effectively position it as a “riding crop for right-wing populists”. He argued that genuine, substantive dialogue is simply impossible with AfD politicians, who he characterized as likely to adopt a flexible, opportunistic stance, catering to the Confederation’s every demand while masking a void of credible economic policy.
Economic advisor Achim Truger echoed these concerns, questioning the rationale behind the Confederation’s willingness to engage with a party he believes offers nothing positive for the German economy. He expressed surprise at what he termed the Confederation’s apparent naiveté in believing the AfD could deliver beneficial economic outcomes.
Both economists strongly disputed the AfD’s claims of economic competence, asserting that the party proffers unrealistic promises across the economic spectrum. Südekum detailed the AfD’s pledges of generous pension levels, extensive tax cuts and substantial family support initiatives, all without outlining any viable funding mechanisms. He stated that implementing the AfD’s program would create a “hole in the public budgets in the high triple-digit billions range.
Beyond purely fiscal concerns, Südekum highlighted the AfD’s more drastic proposals, specifically advocating for a German exit from the European Union-dubbed “Dexit”-a scenario he deemed a “death blow” for German industry. Truger mirrored this assessment, warning about the EU-skeptic stance of the AfD, stating that a party renouncing its commitment to the EU and the single market represents a significant location risk for Germany’s export-dependent economy.
The economists also scrutinized the AfD’s purported solutions to Germany’s chronic shortage of skilled workers. Critics argue that the party’s generally anti-immigration stance demonstrably lacks a viable strategy for addressing the skills gap widely lamented by German businesses. “What could possibly be attractive about that?” Truger questioned, implying that the Confederation’s embrace of the AfD is ultimately self-defeating and detrimental to the long-term interests of family-owned businesses.