German Business Association Courts Controversy: Invites Far-Right AfD into Strategy Discussions
Berlin, Germany – In a move that has ignited a firestorm of criticism and prompted immediate corporate backlash, “Die Familienunternehmen eV” (The Family Business Owners), a prominent German business association, has announced it will now include the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in its “strategy discussions.” This dramatic shift, publicly declared by association president Marie-Christine Ostermann, represents a significant departure from previous policy and has sparked nationwide protests and a scramble among member companies to distance themselves from the association.
Who Are ‘The Family Business Owners’? Beyond the Traditional Image
Despite its name, “Die Familienunternehmen eV” doesn’t solely represent small, regional family-owned businesses. While boasting 6,500 members, the association primarily represents large, globally operating companies that originated as family businesses. Members include giants like Sixt, Deichmann, and Melita, representing just 0.2% of Germany’s approximately three million family businesses. This isn’t a group of mom-and-pop shops; it’s a powerful lobbying force with a history of advocating for policies that often prioritize corporate interests over social and environmental concerns.
Historically, the association has actively lobbied against measures like minimum wage laws, inheritance taxes, stricter climate regulations, and has even pushed for increasing the retirement age. Their agenda, critics argue, is decidedly regressive.
A History of Connections: The Hayek Society Link
Adding another layer of complexity, the association’s past leadership reveals intriguing connections. Gerd Habermann, who headed the association’s Entrepreneurial Institute from 1990 to 2010, was a key founder of the Friedrich A. von Hayek Society – a think tank that counts prominent AfD politicians like Alice Weidel and Beatrix von Storch among its members. This pre-existing network raises questions about the motivations behind the association’s sudden willingness to engage with the AfD.
The ‘Firewall’ Falls: Ostermann’s Rationale and the Immediate Fallout
Ostermann justified the decision by claiming the previous “firewall” – a deliberate policy of avoiding contact with the AfD – had “failed.” She argued that engaging with the party was necessary to understand their positions and influence policy. However, this rationale has been widely condemned as a normalization of extremist views.
The backlash was swift. Drugstore chain Rossmann and household appliance manufacturer Vorwerk immediately announced their withdrawal from the association, issuing strong statements condemning the move. “We do not support the stance of the association ‘The Family Businesses’ and have terminated our membership,” a Rossmann spokesperson stated. Other companies, including Fritz-Cola and Thermomix manufacturer Vorwerk, followed suit.
DM’s Initial Hesitation and Subsequent Exit: A Cautionary Tale
The drugstore chain DM initially took a more cautious approach, with managing director Christoph Werner suggesting that inviting all represented parliamentarians was permissible and “diabolization” unhelpful. However, facing mounting public pressure, DM ultimately announced it had left the association “several months ago,” though this move lacked a clear denunciation of the association’s political course. This highlights the delicate balancing act companies face when navigating politically charged issues.
AfD Celebrates, Critics Warn of Normalization
AfD leader Alice Weidel wasted no time in celebrating the development, calling on other business associations to follow “The Family Businesses’” example. Critics warn that such engagement risks legitimizing a party widely considered to be on the fringes of the political spectrum and potentially paving the way for more mainstream acceptance of its extremist ideology.
Why This Matters: The Power of Association and the Future of German Politics
This isn’t simply about a business association changing its guest list. It’s about the power of association and the potential for normalizing extremist views. Business associations wield significant influence, providing access, creating networks, and shaping political discourse. Inviting the AfD to “strategy discussions” sends a powerful signal – one that could have far-reaching consequences for German politics and the upcoming federal election. The willingness of companies like Rossmann and Vorwerk to take a stand is a crucial reminder that the firewall against extremism must be maintained. The responsibility now falls on other businesses and political actors to clearly define their positions and prevent further normalization of the far-right.
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