The Federal Program Commission of the AfD has apparently finalized core formulations for its new manifesto, stating that a “stable and future-proof European security architecture cannot be achieved without the involvement of Russia.” Multiple chapters have already been decided upon within the committee, according to the Politico podcast “Inside AfD.” The commission is composed of representatives from the Federal Board, the Bundestag faction, the state associations, and the expert committees.
Regarding international security, the AfD maintains that NATO should remain a part of the security architecture. The proposed wording specifies that “membership in NATO corresponds to Germany’s foreign and security interests, provided NATO limits itself to its function as a defense alliance,” aligning with previous principles from 2016. The enhancement to the new program involves agreeing to strengthen the European pillar, which translates to a redistribution of emphasis within NATO at the expense of the United States. The draft program also continues to include the demand for the withdrawal of all Allied troops currently stationed on German soil, particularly concerning nuclear weapons.
The long-standing demand for reinstating mandatory military service is also set to remain a part of the core program. At the relevant point, AfD Federal Chief Tino Chrupalla and the head of the Saxon State Association, Jörg Urban, successfully pushed for the inclusion of a reference to the constitutional right to conscientious objection, stipulating that this right must also hold true during defensive conflicts.
The program commission convened last Friday, and dates for discussions on other chapters are already being planned. Following a member poll, a final resolution from the Federal Board is expected. The complete program is slated to be finally approved at the Federal Party Conference next year.
