The majority of management levels in German companies view the rise of the AfD with concern – especially with regard to the possible consequences for Europe. This emerges from a study by the employer-related Institute of the German Economy (IW).
According to a representative survey, 77 percent of companies see a risk to the existence of the European Union and the euro, and 75 percent see a risk to a constructive political culture. Almost 20 percent cannot decide exactly or do not want to provide any information. The news portal ZDFheute.de was the first to report about it.
The AfD gained significantly in popularity last year. According to surveys, in eastern German states such as Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt it is at values of 30 percent and more. The IW asked more than 900 companies in Germany about the rise of the AfD and its impact on various subject areas. 73 percent each fear negative consequences for the formation of effective governments at the state and federal level as well as for securing skilled workers. There is somewhat less concern when it comes to your own business. 63 percent see a risk to the cohesion of their own workforce. Larger companies and companies in the service sector are generally more critical of the AfD, as the IW researchers report.
Only a few companies perceive AfD positively
According to the survey, there are only a few companies that perceive the AfD positively. Only just under 3.5 percent see the party’s strengthening as an opportunity for the European Union. This proportion is also in the single-digit percentage range for all other subject areas surveyed. The highest values are attributed to these aspects: From the point of view of 8 percent of the management levels, the rise of the AfD represents an opportunity for the formation of effective governments and for Germany as a business location.
However, at least one in four company management answers the question of whether they find some of the AfD’s positions sensible or fundamentally justifiable. Numerous companies have recently positioned themselves against the party. 54 percent say they have done this within the company, 47 percent publicly.