BDI Warns Against AfD Government Participation in Eastern Germany

Nevertheless, Gönner put the significance of the state elections into perspective: "Doch Landesregierungen prägen das Klima eines Standorts vor Ort." She pointed out that parties that participate in government or are tolerated at the state level can also have tangible effects on investment conditions, administrative action, and the settlement of businesses.

The framework conditions for economic policy are set primarily at the European and federal levels, however, the BDI Managing Director emphasized. This fuels concerns that AfD government participation at the state level could further burden competition between locations.

Skills Shortage as Core Argument

A central point of the warning is the shortage of skilled workers. "Deshalb können wir es nicht leisten, qualifizierte Fachkräfte aus dem Ausland abzuschrecken," said Gönner with reference to demographic developments and the ongoing shortage of qualified workers in many sectors.

The BDI leadership sees no answer from the party to the major economic challenges. "Die AfD bietet keine überzeugende Antwort auf die zentralen wirtschaftlichen Herausforderungen des Landes," said Gönner. She fears growing uncertainty among businesses.

Economic Consequences Feared

Specifically, she warned: "Ihr Kurs würde Investitionen erschweren, Verunsicherung schaffen und den Standort schwächen, statt Wachstum zu fördern." According to the message, investment decisions, from the industry's perspective, also depend heavily on political reliability and predictability.

With this, the BDI is taking a clear stance ahead of the three state elections in September. In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD is aiming for a solo government according to reports; in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it is also leading in polls. A new state parliament will also be elected in Berlin.

Reactions from the Business Community

Along with the warning, the industry association is also sending an indirect appeal to the other parties to sharpen their economic policy profiles and to actively advocate for business location conditions. The BDI views Germany's economic performance as a decisive issue that extends beyond the state elections.

The reaction from the business community fits into a series of similar statements from business associations and chambers that have warned in recent months about the consequences of government participation by right-wing populist or right-wing extremist parties for investments, international skilled workers, and the reputation of the location.

Gönner also made clear in the conversation with RND that the association will closely observe the coming weeks. Should the AfD assume governmental responsibility in any of the three states, an intensified economic policy debate is to be expected.