A fracture is emerging within Germany’s business community regarding the appropriate engagement with the Alternative for Germany (AfD), prompting a fundamental reassessment of established strategies. The Association of Family Businesses (Familienunternehmer), a significant voice within the German economy, has signaled a shift away from its previous policy of strict isolation from AfD parliamentarians. Association President Marie-Christine Ostermann, in an interview with “Handelsblatt”, confirmed the lifting of a de facto “contact ban” following a recent parliamentary evening held on October 8th, noting that several regional branches had resisted such a rigid approach from the outset.
Ostermann’s rationale centers on a perceived need to “politically situate” the AfD, arguing that demonizing the party through simplistic “good versus evil” categorizations has proven ineffective. She suggested that beneath the often sensational headlines, many AfD politicians present arguments which are “content-empty or contradictory” a reality only discernible through direct dialogue. Crucially, she emphasized that despite a willingness to engage, the Association staunchly opposes any potential coalition government involving the AfD.
However, the shift in approach is far from unanimous. The Foundation of Family Businesses holds a contrasting position, maintaining its firm stance against extreme political parties. Foundation Board Member Rainer Kirchdörfer told “Handelsblatt” that invitations to events will continue to be withheld from representatives of both the AfD and the Left party, citing fundamental value clashes incompatible with the ethos of family businesses. He warned that the AfD’s platform poses a threat to the stability and long-term prosperity of the German family business sector.
The medium-sized business community, represented by the Federal Association of Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW), is also grappling with the evolving political landscape. BVMW Secretary General Christoph Ahlhaus acknowledged the consistently high polling and electoral results achieved by the AfD, suggesting that the “firewall” strategy may have failed to curtail its influence. He reports a “vibrant” debate within the sector regarding the appropriate response to the AfD and stated the BVMW will actively formulate its position on the matter within its internal bodies.
The evolving responses from these influential business organizations highlight the complex challenges faced in navigating Germany’s increasingly polarized political climate and raise questions about the effectiveness of purely exclusionary strategies in addressing the rise of populist and nationalist movements.