The AfD’s Rapid Evolution from Pro-Business to Populist: The Backlash from German Intellectuals and Business Leaders

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) was originally launched in 2013 as a pro-business, classically liberal party by German intellectuals who were against the single European currency. However, within a few years, the AfD underwent a transformation into an anti-immigrant, populist party that even considered Germany’s exit from the European Union, or Dexit. This shift in the party’s platform led to a divergence in support from its original backers, such as German intellectuals and business leaders.

Despite their usual reluctance to engage in politics, several business leaders publicly denounced the AfD leading up to the European Parliament election on June 9th. The rapid evolution of the AfD from a pro-business party to an anti-immigrant and populist party was a surprising development for many observers. As a result of this transformation and the introduction of policies that were against the interests of many German intellectuals and business leaders, there was a notable backlash against the party.

This shift in support and public condemnation from influential figures reflected the growing unease with the direction the AfD was taking and its potential implications for Germany and the European Union as whole. Despite his initial support for free-market ideas, former leader Hans-Olaf Henkel resigned from the party in 2015 after seeing its transformation into an anti-immigrant populist party.