A leading figure within the German Green Party is issuing a stark warning regarding the perceived softening of stances towards the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) within certain business circles, calling for a renewed, proactive defense of Germany’s liberal democratic institutions. Konstantin von Notz, Deputy Chair of the Green Party’s parliamentary group, emphasized the imperative of confronting authoritarian, anti-democratic forces with unwavering clarity.
Speaking to the Handelsblatt newspaper, von Notz highlighted the constitutional obligation faced by German authorities, institutions, civil society, businesses and individuals to actively safeguard the country’s democratic foundations. This obligation, he stated, arises from Germany’s historical context and the explicit protections enshrined in the Basic Law (Grundgesetz).
Von Notz welcomed the recent distancing of the Association of Family Businesses (Familienunternehmerverband) from a perceived normalization of relations with the AfD, a party designated as “reliably right-wing extremist” by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz). He argued that any move toward rapprochement with a party that seemingly demonstrates allegiance to “autocratic regimes” is fundamentally incompatible with the core democratic principles of the Federal Republic.
The Green Party politician’s statement reflects a growing concern within political circles regarding the potential for normalization of extremist political forces and the responsibility of prominent voices to actively counter such trends. It raises critical questions about the role of the business community in upholding democratic values and the ongoing need to fiercely defend Germany’s constitutional order. The call for a proactive defense signals an escalation in the political discourse surrounding the AfD and the increasing pressure on all sectors of German society to actively repel anti-democratic influences.