Marcel Fratzscher, president of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), has warned business leaders against aligning themselves with the AfD party. Speaking to the “Handelsblatt”, Fratzscher advised that entrepreneurs should maintain a deliberate distance from the AfD because, in his view, the party not only attacks fundamental democratic values but also works against the economic interests of Germany’s established position. He labeled the AfD “a danger to the economy, prosperity, and social cohesion”. According to the institute president, companies rely on open markets and dependable rules, all of which the AfD seeks to undermine through “isolation and right-wing populist division”. Fratzscher urged corporate leaders not to focus solely on their immediate self-interests. He stressed that “especially in times when democratic institutions are under pressure, economic actors need to take a stand, provide direction, and clearly oppose exclusion, authoritarianism, and anti-democratic forces” added Fratzscher.
Knut Bergmann, head of the Institute of German Economy’s (IW) Berlin office, suggested that growing dissatisfaction might explain why some entrepreneurs show sympathy for the AfD. He told the “Handelsblatt” that “the frustration is simply enormous” noting that many businesses feel “that necessary reforms are failing to materialize”. Despite this, Bergmann does not believe there is broad economic support for the party, stating, “I still consider this to be a fringe phenomenon”. He believes the situation would only become problematic “if the AfD took on government responsibilities or if its positions were adopted by other parties”. Concerning companies that remain critical of the AfD, Bergmann recommends acknowledging employees’ concerns. He concluded by saying, “Objective arguments without pointing fingers are often more convincing than blanket warnings”.
