Challenges Ahead as AfD Considers Shift in Germany's Foreign Policy Direction
The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is gearing up to make crucial decisions on the direction of Germany's foreign policy at its federal party conference in Essen this weekend. With various resolutions set to be put to a vote, leading economists are expressing strong criticisms towards influential AfD politicians' plans to align Germany more assertively against the United States and the European Union (EU), warning of the potential consequences that may arise. Oliver Holtemöller, Vice President of the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research in Halle (IWH), highlighted that moving away from collaboration with the USA and EU towards closer ties with China could result in significant political and economic uncertainty, posing substantial risks in the long run. Economist Marcel Fratzscher echoed similar concerns, labeling the AfD's proposal to pivot towards Russia and China as the greatest mistake Germany could make from both political and economic standpoints. Fratzscher cautioned against deepening Germany's reliance on China, which could potentially bolster autocratic regimes and undermine democracy across Europe, according to the President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW). As the AfD conference unfolds, the decisions made regarding Germany's foreign policy stance are poised to have far-reaching implications on the nation's international relations and economic stability.
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