In the lead-up to Germany’s upcoming federal election, several major companies and business leaders have broken with tradition by publicly denouncing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has seen rising support across the country. Historically, businesses in Germany have maintained political neutrality, but the growing influence of the AfD has prompted a shift toward active political engagement, with major companies emphasizing their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and European unity.
A Changing Corporate Stance
Corporate figures from Deutsche Bank, Mercedes-Benz, and Siemens, among others, have made clear their opposition to the AfD, with Mercedes-Benz’s Eckart von Klaeden telling DW, “Xenophobia, hatred, antisemitism of any kind, and extremism are in clear contradiction to the values of Mercedes-Benz.”
This stands in contrast to Germany’s traditional approach, where businesses and industry groups have steered clear of publicly aligning with or against political parties. Knut Bergmann from the German Economic Institute (IW) notes that German companies have never explicitly endorsed or rejected parties in the way companies in other countries often do.
The Rise of the AfD and Its Economic Implications
The surge in AfD support, especially in eastern Germany, has spurred businesses to act. In response, numerous firms have joined initiatives like the “We Stand for Values” alliance, founded by companies like Bosch, Bayer, and Mercedes-Benz, which advocate for openness, tolerance, and respect. Companies such as Edeka and the Würth Group have also publicly distanced themselves from the AfD, with the latter’s CEO writing a letter urging employees not to vote for the party.
Why this shift? Alexander Kritikos from the German Institute for Economic Research suggests the change is economically driven: “Companies are afraid of their home location being disadvantaged and investments declining.” Major players like Mercedes-Benz and Commerzbank argue that protectionism and division, often linked to far-right policies, pose a direct threat to economic prosperity. In particular, businesses rely on the immigration of skilled workers to support growth and innovation in Germany’s competitive market.
AfD as a Risk to Germany and Europe
The rise of the AfD is seen as not just a threat to Germany’s social cohesion but also to its standing within the European Union. A 2024 survey found that 77% of German business leaders believe the AfD’s ascent could jeopardize both the EU and the Euro. Stefan Wintels, CEO of KfW, emphasized that isolationism and xenophobia would harm both Germany’s economy and its societal fabric, adding that Germany’s future must be within a united Europe.
The Economic Stakes and Corporate Responsibility
In the lead-up to Germany’s election, major banks like Deutsche Bank and ING have also joined other firms in a joint appeal advocating for a liberal democratic order in Germany. These businesses stress that national economic success and long-term stability depend on values such as inclusion, cooperation, and openness to global talent.
While speculation about potential future political alliances remains, companies like Mercedes-Benz maintain that their core values will persist regardless of the government’s composition. As the political climate grows more charged, corporate leaders appear more committed than ever to protecting the values that sustain Germany’s economic and social success.
Sources:
- Knut Bergmann, German Economic Institute (IW) on political neutrality.
- Eckart von Klaeden, Mercedes-Benz on company values.
- Alexander Kritikos, German Institute for Economic Research on economic impact.
- Stefan Wintels, CEO, KfW on the EU and AfD risks.
International Business Picture by stockcake
