The decision by the Association of Family Businesses (Familienunternehmer-Verband) to leave the door open for discussions with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has ignited a firestorm of criticism, exposing deep divisions within Germany’s business and political spheres. The move, ostensibly framed as an attempt to “politically confront” the far-right party, is drawing accusations of normalizing an organization widely characterized as “reliably right-wing extremist.
Sebastian Roloff, the SPD’s parliamentary group spokesperson for economic policy, sharply condemned the association’s stance, arguing to the Handelsblatt that popular discontent with mainstream parties shouldn’t legitimize engagement with the AfD. He emphasized that the party’s growing support stemmed from frustration, not a justification for its normalization.
This shift in position followed a prior announcement by the association’s president, Marie-Christine Ostermann, who confirmed to the Handelsblatt that a previous ban on contact with AfD parliamentarians had been lifted in anticipation of a parliamentary evening on October 2.
However, Roloff believes the move is ultimately ineffective, suggesting that inviting the AfD to parliamentary events is unlikely to soften their political stance. He insisted that a more robust approach is needed: a clear and well-supported critique of the party’s “anti-business policies.
The AfD responded positively, with Leif-Erik Holm, the party’s economic policy spokesperson in the Bundestag, welcoming the potential dialogue. Holm stated to the Handelsblatt that the nation’s structural challenges were too significant to ignore and that it demanded a “bundling of liberal forces” to address them. This interpretation has been heavily criticized by opponents, who accuse the AfD of exploiting the situation to further its platform.
The CDU’s Economic Council has taken a starkly different position, firmly rejecting any engagement with the AfD. Astrid Hamker, president of the professional association, told the Handelsblatt that the party’s ideology fundamentally conflicts with Germany’s commitment to a social market economy. Hamker asserted a clear decision within the council prohibits providing a platform for politicians from the AfD, labeling the party detrimental to the nation’s economic wellbeing.
The Association’s decision highlights the increasing complexity of German politics, revealing a growing tension between pragmatic engagement and ideological opposition, as well as the persistent efforts of the AfD to broaden its reach within the German business community.