Economy concerned: "AfD poll results are worrying"

One month before the state elections in the east, leading business associations have warned of the consequences of the AfD gaining strength. "The AfD's poll ratings, particularly in eastern Germany, are worrying," said employers' president Rainer Dulger to the German Press Agency. "The German economy stands for an open-minded, liberal Germany." Industry President Siegfried Russwurm also told dpa: "If the AfD were to appoint a minister president, that would be very bad for the economy."

New state elections will be held in Saxony and Thuringia on September 1 and in Brandenburg on September 22. According to polls, the right-wing populist AfD could become the strongest party. Difficult government formations loom.

Employer president: politicians must solve problems

"We stand for a competitive Europe and immigration for work," said Dulger, President of the Confederation of German Employers' Associations. "The best remedy against extremism is a clear and well-crafted policy - one that listens, addresses the unpleasant things and solves the problems."

He said: "Politicians and policy-makers must ask themselves the question: Why are people so disappointed? Why are they running to the fringes and not to the mainstream parties? What are the causes of this disappointment? What can we do better?"

Changes trigger fears

According to Dulger, he perceives fears of decline among the population and also among companies. With regard to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, for example, he said: "The entire global political situation is currently shifting, especially the security situation. It is clear that this is triggering fears. But that is precisely why we need a determined German government to provide us with answers. The anti-European and anti-Western reflex is very far from my mind - in the 21st century, national solo efforts are not very promising on many issues."

As a former world export champion, Germany has benefited from globalization more than almost any other country over the decades. "Our prosperity is also linked to the fact that we are a country that is open to the world."

Russwurm accuses AfD of "xenophobia"

With a view to the state elections, Russwurm said: "The concerns have not diminished because the democratic parties are clearly not succeeding in presenting solutions that really appeal to people." The few substantive statements made by the AfD are generally unsuitable for strengthening the forces of economic growth.

"They don't help, they only harm. The open and active xenophobia of the AfD exacerbates the already existing problems of demographic change and a shortage of skilled workers, which particularly affect Germany," said the President of the Federation of German Industries. "Anyone who talks about remigration, who says "foreigners out", should please take a look around, look at the next building site, look in the next nursing home, go to the next hospital, visit the next pub: What would this country be without immigrants?"