Family business owners in dialogue with the AfD: A dangerous game!

Family business owners in dialogue with the AfD: A dangerous game!

The discussion about cooperation between business and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is gaining increasing momentum. The “Family Business Owners” association has signaled that it will enter into discussions with the AfD in the future, which is causing strong reactions in the industry. Association president Marie-Christine Ostermann emphasizes that the basic attitude towards the AfD remains unchanged. In her opinion, the AfD's policies are both anti-democratic and anti-business. Nevertheless, the association has decided to seek dialogue with individual AfD politicians, but not to invite them to public events, such as the FAZ reported.

The influence of the AfD on the German economy is highly controversial. In East Germany it is already common practice to speak to the party, while the North Rhine-Westphalia regional association continues to keep its distance. Ostermann points out that the firewall against the AfD has failed, which could find support in the business community. AfD leader Alice Weidel and the economic policy spokesman for the AfD parliamentary group, Leif-Erik Holm, welcome the family business owners' initiative. They see this as an opportunity to make their agenda heard.

Criticism of the approach

However, opinions on this move are strongly divided. Scientists like Markus Scholz warn against the irresponsibility of speaking to a party that is seen as harmful to the economy. It is not only known for an isolation policy that could slow down foreign trade, but could also exacerbate the shortage of skilled workers, especially through so-called remigration fantasies. These concerns are shared by many parts of the business world, who express concern that normalizing the AfD could lead to long-term damage, such as the Süddeutsche Zeitung notes.

The Bavarian Business Association (VBW) rejects any exchange with the AfD. Large business associations and corporations have not yet had any connections to the AfD. Nevertheless, the family business association is looking for new contacts, possibly due to the impending end of the FDP. The invitation to the AfD could result in a normalization of this party, which many entrepreneurs consider to be risky. Companies such as Deichmann, Fiege and Miele are among the members of the association that now have to position themselves.

Social responsibility

Entrepreneurs are perceived as social role models and have a significant influence on public perception. A majority of the population in western Germany is critical of the AfD. The effects of a possible contact with the AfD could be far-reaching: a weakened EU, uncertainties for foreign skilled workers and the turning away of international investors are just some of the topics that are particularly discussed in the management echelons. The Cologne Institute for the German Economy (IW) believes that differentiation in dealing with the AfD is necessary, but emphasizes that the conversation with the AfD is not without risks.

Thomas Kowalski from the Halberstadt Craftsmen's Union sees dialogue with the AfD as an opportunity to make optimal decisions. Holger Loclair, CEO of Orafol, describes the debate about contact bans as a “sham debate”. Despite these differing opinions, the question remains as to how far companies are willing to go to speak to a party that has historically not been considered particularly business-friendly. The topic remains highly explosive and could have a lasting impact on Germany's economic landscape RND summarizes.