Union Leaders Urge Businesses to Establish Clear Barrier Against AfD
Leading representatives from Germany's major trade unions have called on the business sector to establish a definitive separation from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. This appeal follows recent steps by the Association of Family Entrepreneurs to relax its previous prohibition on engagement with the AfD, a party that has been officially classified as partially right-wing extremist.
Frank Werneke, the head of the service sector union ver.di, publicly encouraged both employers and key business associations to take an explicit stance regarding their relationship with the AfD. He emphasized the historical responsibility German industry holds in maintaining a clear distance from extremist ideologies, referencing past instances where industrial leaders played significant roles in political developments during the early 20th century. According to Werneke, the current situation requires a proactive approach to prevent any normalization or support for parties that challenge democratic principles.
Anja Piel, a board member of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), also addressed the issue, urging member companies to make unequivocal statements upholding a clear boundary against extremist influences. She warned that providing legitimacy or opportunities to parties with anti-constitutional agendas could undermine Germany's democratic values, international reputation, and the stability of its economic environment. Piel pointed out that such actions could create unpredictable risks for Germany's status as a leading business location, particularly at a time when the country is striving to attract international talent to fill critical skill shortages.
In response to the Association of Family Entrepreneurs' decision to lift its contact ban with the AfD, several prominent companies have taken measures to distance themselves from the organization. Notably, the retail chain Rossmann and home appliance manufacturer Vorwerk have recently resigned their memberships in the group. Additionally, Deutsche Bank has canceled a contract for an event that was scheduled to be held on its premises, citing concerns over the association's revised policy towards the AfD.
The president of the Association of Family Entrepreneurs, Marie-Christine Ostermann, defended the group's approach, stating that engaging in dialogue with different political actors does not equate to endorsing their views. She clarified that the association does not support coalition governments involving the AfD, as the party's ideology does not align with the organization's commitment to liberal and market-oriented economic principles.
The debate highlights a growing divide within the German business community regarding how to engage with political parties that challenge democratic norms. Trade unions argue that economic leaders must take a definitive stand to prevent the resurgence of extremist influence in both politics and business. They also stress the unique historical responsibility of business families and enterprises in Germany, given past associations between industry leaders and authoritarian movements.
As businesses continue to reassess their affiliations and public stances, the controversy has sparked widespread discussion about the role of the private sector in safeguarding democratic values. The decisions by major companies to withdraw from the Association of Family Entrepreneurs underscore the seriousness with which many in the business community view the issue of political engagement with parties deemed outside the democratic mainstream.
This ongoing discourse is expected to shape both internal business policies and the broader relationship between the economic sector and political actors in Germany, as stakeholders navigate the balance between open dialogue and the protection of fundamental democratic norms.