Politics — Navigating Air Safety Regulations

Economist slams SPD’s AfD strategy as a threat to Germany’s economic reforms

A top economist accuses the SPD of playing political games with AfD proposals—at the cost of Germany’s economic future. Could this backfire?

, and Administrator

2025 November 13 . 7:22 AM

1 min read

In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text... — In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text above it.

Economist slams SPD’s AfD strategy as a threat to Germany’s economic reforms

Veronika Grimm, a prominent economist and Siemens Energy board member, has criticised the SPD's strategy of labelling AfD proposals as 'the devil’s work'. She argues that this approach is partly driven by strategic reasons and has raised concerns about its impact on the German economy.

Grimm, a member of Germany’s Council of Economic Experts, accused the SPD of using AfD proposals to block progress in economic reforms. She specifically targeted SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil, who has held the position since 2021 alongside Bärbel Bas since 2025. Grimm believes that Klingbeil and the SPD are employing this tactic to hinder the CDU from taking a more centrist stance.

Grimm's argument suggests that the SPD's approach is not solely driven by ideological opposition to AfD, but also by a strategic desire to maintain political dominance. She warns that this strategy could have significant implications for the German economy.

Veronika Grimm's criticism highlights a strategic dimension to the SPD's stance on AfD proposals. She argues that this approach could hinder economic reforms and influence the political positioning of other parties. As a respected economist, Grimm's views could shape the debate around the SPD's strategy and its impact on Germany's economic future.