German small and medium-sized business (SME) associations are re-evaluating their approach to the opposition party Alternative for Germany (AfD).
The Association of Family Businesses has abandoned its previous policy of total isolation and now plans to invite AfD members to certain events, although it still opposes the party as a coalition partner.
Other SME organizations, such as the Foundation for Family Businesses, continue to bar AfD and Left Party representatives, citing incompatible values.
Meanwhile, the German Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW) noted that strong AfD polling indicates the old “firewall” strategy may not have been effective, prompting lively internal discussions on how to engage with the party at both regional and federal levels.
