The move by the “Family Businesses Association” to engage in dialogue with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has ignited a fierce political backlash, with the Green Party demanding an immediate and complete reversal of the decision. Green Party parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge sharply criticized the association’s stance, arguing that it represents a “fatal course correction” necessitating the retraction of the collaborative resolution with the AfD.
Dröge’s statement, delivered to Bild newspaper, highlighted the importance of corporate responsibility in upholding democratic values. She specifically lauded the drugstore chain Rossmann for publicly distancing itself from the Family Businesses Association, characterizing their action as “an important signal” demonstrating a commitment to democratic principles.
Beyond Rossmann’s example, Dröge issued a direct challenge to the remaining member companies of the Family Businesses Association. She urged them to follow suit, explicitly advocating for a firm and unequivocal rejection of right-wing extremism. Failure to do so, she warned, would actively contribute to the divisive and destabilizing influence of extremist ideologies.
Dröge underscored the inextricable link between a thriving economy and a robust democracy. “Democracy and an open economic model are the foundation of our prosperity” she stated. She cautioned that long-term business success is fundamentally incompatible with a fractured society and the erosion of peaceful coexistence, particularly when fueled by the actions of right-wing extremist groups. The controversy raises significant questions about the responsibility of business organizations to actively safeguard democratic values and to avoid legitimizing extremist political forces.
