Marcel Fratzscher, President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), has warned business leaders against becoming too closely associated with the AfD political party. Speaking to the “Handelsblatt” Fratzscher advised that entrepreneurs should consciously maintain distance from the party because, according to him, it not only attacks democratic fundamental values but also works against the economic interests of Germany. He characterized the AfD as “a danger to the economy, prosperity, and social cohesion”. Fratzscher emphasized that businesses rely on open markets and dependable rules, all of which the AfD wants to undermine through “isolation and right-wing populist division”. He urged company heads not to pursue only short-term self-interests. He stated, “Especially in times when democratic institutions are under pressure, economic actors are needed to show conviction, provide guidance, and stand clearly against exclusion, authoritarianism, and pro-anti-democracy forces”.
Meanwhile, Knut Bergmann, head of the Institute of German Economy’s Berlin office, attributes the sympathies of certain entrepreneurs for the AfD to widespread dissatisfaction, noting that “the frustration is simply enormous”. He pointed out that many businesses feel that “necessary reforms are failing to materialize”. However, Bergmann does not believe there is broad economic support for the AfD, maintaining that it remains “a fringe phenomenon”. He suggested that the situation would only become problematic if the AfD were to gain governmental responsibility or if other parties adopted its positions. For businesses critical of the AfD, Bergmann recommends taking employee concerns seriously, adding that “factual arguments without pointing fingers are often more convincing than blanket warnings”.