The recent shift in stance by the Association of Family Businesses (Familienunternehmerverband) regarding the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has triggered a forceful call for renewed democratic vigilance from Green Party parliamentary group deputy leader, Konstantin von Notz. In an interview with “Handelsblatt”, von Notz emphasized that Germany’s historical responsibility and the nation’s foundational law necessitate a proactive defense of the liberal constitutional state against authoritarian, anti-democratic, intolerant, racist, antisemitic and inhumane organizations.
Von Notz lauded the Association’s decision to distance itself from normalizing relations with the AfD, a party classified as “reliably right-wing extremist” by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. He underscored that any attempt to approach a party that, in his view, effectively “pays homage to autocratic regimes” is fundamentally incompatible with the democratic principles that underpin the Federal Republic of Germany.
The Green politician’s statement signals growing concern within German political circles regarding the potential for normalization of extremist ideologies. While the Association’s revised position has been welcomed, it simultaneously exposes a broader vulnerability – a willingness, even unintentional, to engage with parties exhibiting signs of anti-democratic tendencies. Von Notz’s call acts as a pointed reminder that the defense of Germany’s democratic foundations requires constant, active engagement and unequivocal condemnation of movements threatening those values – a responsibility that extends beyond governmental institutions and falls upon all sectors of society, including businesses and entrepreneurs. The incident highlights a political debate about the boundaries of economic pragmatism versus adherence to democratic principles and the potential ramifications of blurred lines.
