Critics from business organizations voice disapproval towards the achievements of AfD and BSW.
Economic organizations are alarmed after the victories of AfD and Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia. "The election results in Saxony and Thuringia are a red flag for the digital economy," stated the president of Bitkom, Ralf Wintergerst, later in the day. "Germany needs to remain a nation that champions openness and innovation." These principles aren't aligned with either AfD or Alternative for Germany (AfD). Germany can't meet its demand for skilled workers without immigration, as Wintergerst pointed out. "We won't be able to launch the planned semiconductor factories in Saxony without foreign skilled workers," he mentioned. "Top talent can choose where they work freely."
The Association of Family Entrepreneurs shared its perspective as well. "The election result in Thuringia signals a reckoning with the traffic light coalition," said the president of the family entrepreneurs, Marie-Christine Ostermann, post-projections showing AfD as the strongest force there.
Bitkom Warns of Outdated Politics
"The economically hostile AfD, along with the enigmatic Alternative for Germany (AfD), enjoyed substantial gains in the Thuringian state election," warned Wintergerst. Projections for the Saxon election suggest the CDU will lead over AfD. "For the family entrepreneurs, the CDU now bears the responsibility for forming a new government," stated Ostermann.
The Bitkom Association warned against outdated politics that aim to isolate Germany from global digital advancements and erect barriers. Wintergerst described this as "a major danger for digital Germany." The election results should serve as more than just a warning for politics, he argued. "They should be a call and drive to address problems at their root," said the Bitkom president. "We need tangible improvements: in infrastructures, companies, schools, administrations, internal and external security. Many people crave change."
"This isn't good for the economy"
Meanwhile, distinguished economists are also expressing concerns over potential economic and societal consequences following the election successes of AfD and Alternative for Germany (AfD). Primarily, AfD represents protectionism and isolation from Europe, less immigration of skilled workers, and less openness and diversity, said the president of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), Marcel Fratzscher. He thinks it's highly likely that the election results will prompt companies and skilled workers to relocate. "Mainly, young, highly skilled, and highly motivated individuals will leave the two federal states to find more openness and appreciation elsewhere," the economist announced. "This could spark an increase in bankruptcies and businesses leaving."
The Institute of the German Economy (IW Cologne), which shares a favorable position towards employers, also voiced concerns. "This can't be good for the economy, as it needs political stability, institutional certainty, and dependable guidelines," stated IW director Michael Hüther. Given that the federal level might have impacted the election results, challenges must also be addressed at that level.
"One thing is apparent: More social policy won't deter individuals from voting for populist parties," said Hüther. "Instead, we need an active investment state to calm fears of decline and to address experiences of devaluation."
- In light of the Elections to the Landtag of Saxony and Thuringia, which saw significant gains for the AfD and Alternative for Germany (AfD), the president of Bitkom, Ralf Wintergerst, warned of the dangers of economically hostile politics that could isolate Germany from global digital advancements.
- Referring to the Elections to the Landtag of Saxony and Thuringia, the president of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), Marcel Fratzscher, expressed concerns over the potential economic consequences of AfD's electoral successes, as they represent protectionism, less immigration of skilled workers, and less openness and diversity.
