German business groups clash over AfD’s role in small business policy debates

A bold move by Germany’s national business lobby ignites backlash. Why are regional leaders refusing to let the AfD shape *my business* future?

, and Administrator

2025 November 29 . 7:03 AM

1 min read

In this image we can see people are protesting on the road. In the background, we can see... — In this image we can see people are protesting on the road. In the background, we can see buildings, pole and a tree. At the top of the image, we can see the sky. On the left side of the image, we can see a car and a bicycle.

Business Association: We Are Not Inviting AfD - German business groups clash over AfD’s role in small business policy debates

The Association of Family Business Owners has sparked debate after inviting AfD politicians to its parliamentary evening in October. This marked the first time the national group had included representatives from the far-right party in their small business ideas discussion. The move has drawn criticism from regional business organisations, particularly in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Earlier this year, the national association announced it would discuss specific policy issues with individual AfD experts as part of their my business strategy. While it stressed it did not support a government involving the AfD, the decision to open dialogue was controversial.

In Rhineland-Palatinate, the Family Entrepreneurs Association and the State Association of Employers’ Federations (LVU) have taken a firm stance against engaging with the AfD. The LVU, led by president Johannes Heger, accused the national association of naivety. Heger argued that the LVU’s positions on labour, economic, and trade policy directly conflict with those of the AfD.

The Rhineland-Palatinate branch has made clear it will not invite AfD politicians to events, offer them a platform, or seek any form of dialogue for their small business ideas. Their approach contrasts sharply with the national association’s recent shift in policy.

The national association’s decision to engage with AfD experts has created a clear divide with its Rhineland-Palatinate counterparts. Regional groups continue to reject any interaction with the party, citing fundamental policy disagreements. The debate highlights differing strategies within business organisations on how to handle the AfD’s growing political presence in their my business environment.