Former Volkswagen chief Matthias Müller criticized the strategy of Germany’s established parties toward the AfD and called for loosening the so‑called “firewall”. “They should open the firewall a little” Müller told T‑Online, pointing to other parties in the Bundestag.
He argued that the current approach merely allows the AfD to “continue to develop nicely” and that opening the fence could expose the party’s shortcomings.
Müller sees Germany as being on a problematic political and social path. “We’re headed toward a ‘full‑coverage state,'” he said, noting that many citizens rely on state security and take less personal responsibility. “We’re an ego‑driven people” he added, reiterating his earlier warning that Germany is marching toward a “DDR 2.0”. Without sweeping reforms, he warned, the country risks slipping economically further, while politicians are overwhelmed by the challenge.
He also criticized the reliance on non‑governmental organisations. According to Müller, the state has outsourced tasks to NGOs that it should perform itself. Organisations such as Deutsche Umwelthilfe and BUND could instead be incorporated directly into the environmental or economic ministries.