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Saxony-Anhalt’s businesses split over engaging with the far-right AfD

From boycotts to cautious talks, companies weigh risks as the AfD’s influence tests Saxony-Anhalt’s economic future. Will dialogue or distance prevail?

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2 min read
In this image there is a conference in which there are people sitting in chair and listening to the...
In this image there is a conference in which there are people sitting in chair and listening to the people who are on the stage. It seems like an event in which there is a conversation between the media people and the owners. At the background there is a big hoarding and the wall beside it.

Business associations grapple with handling the AfD - Saxony-Anhalt’s businesses split over engaging with the far-right AfD

Business groups in Saxony-Anhalt are divided over how to handle the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The party has held seats in the state parliament since 2016 and remains a polarising presence. While some associations limit contact, others argue for open dialogue with elected representatives.

The debate comes as the AfD’s nationalist policies raise concerns about economic harm and regional attractiveness.

The Farmers’ Association has reduced engagement with the AfD to the minimum required by protocol. Instead, it focuses on working with the state’s governing coalitions. Meanwhile, the Employers’ and Business Associations of Saxony-Anhalt remain open to discussions with all sectors, seeking solutions for local companies.

Chambers of commerce, legally bound to political neutrality, must critically assess the positions of all democratically elected parties. The Magdeburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Chambers of Skilled Crafts in Magdeburg and Halle-Dessau engage in substantive talks but set clear limits against populist policies that could damage the economy or skilled trades. The Chamber of Skilled Crafts reviews each case individually, prioritising content over party allegiance.

Controversy arose when the Federal Association of Family Entrepreneurs invited AfD representatives to its Parliamentary Evening. Several companies withdrew from the association in response. Thomas Brockmeier, managing director of the Halle-Dessau Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), warned that the AfD’s nationalist approach could deter investment and weaken the regional economy. The IHK itself has not publicly stated any position on the AfD, focusing instead on economic growth and regional development in its recent statements.

The discussion reflects broader tensions over balancing democratic engagement with economic risks. Some groups insist on strict boundaries, while others push for dialogue with elected officials. The outcome will shape how Saxony-Anhalt’s business community navigates political influence in the coming years.

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