Reported 12 months ago
The far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) held a two-day party conference in Essen to decide on its latest foreign policy, sparking concerns among German economists. The deputy director of IWH, Oliver Holtemöller, mentioned that aligning closer with China at the expense of distancing from the US and EU could lead to significant political and economic uncertainties. German economists Marcel Fratzscher and Michael Hüther both criticized AfD's proposals, warning of potential risks in increasing reliance on China, strengthening autocratic regimes, and undermining European democracy. AfD has faced scandals involving Russia and China, including investigations into possible funding from these countries. The party co-chair Alice Weidel's controversial statements at the conference also raised eyebrows, as did her party's plans to abolish the simplified naturalization process in Germany if they were to take part in the government.
Source: YAHOO