The AfD, Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party, has unexpectedly voiced criticism of US President Donald Trump’s protectionist trade policies, signaling a potential shift in the party’s messaging. Leif-Erik Holm, the AfD’s parliamentary group’s spokesperson for economic policy, told the Handelsblatt newspaper that Trump’s “resurgence of tariffs damages the global economy and makes goods more expensive for citizens.
Holm emphasized the critical importance of free trade for Germany, a nation heavily reliant on exports. He expressed hope that the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos would facilitate discussions aimed at dismantling trade barriers. While acknowledging the value of international exchange, particularly amidst a resurgence of protectionist sentiment, Holm welcomed Trump’s attendance with a large US delegation.
The AfD’s critique, while seemingly pragmatic, represents a subtle but potentially significant adjustment in the party’s public stance. Previously, the AfD’s rhetoric has frequently converged with, or even echoed, populist and nationalist sentiments frequently expressed by Trump. This new focus on advocating for open trade, without a clear accompanying foreign policy strategy, invites questions about a deliberate recalibration of the party’s image, possibly an attempt to broaden appeal.
The timing of this shift is notable, occurring against the backdrop of Trump’s increasingly assertive and sometimes unpredictable foreign policy moves. The President is traveling to Davos with the largest US delegation ever assembled, underscoring the significance of the event even as he continues to pursue unilateral trade actions. Trump’s recent threats to impose tariffs on countries opposing his contentious ambitions regarding Greenland – including veiled suggestions of military force – further highlight the potential for escalating international tensions and demonstrate a willingness to disregard established diplomatic norms. This display of transactional diplomacy from the US administration creates a complex landscape, one that even parties previously aligned with protectionist policies are now compelled to navigate with a more nuanced approach.