German business group reverses AfD invitation after member backlash

The Family Entrepreneurs association has reversed its decision to invite the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to its events. The move came after several member companies withdrew in protest. The group now admits the invitation was a misstep and insists it opposes extremism—especially when business interests are at risk. Initially, the association planned to include AfD representatives in future discussions. However, backlash from members forced a quick change of course. The organisation now claims it only wanted to confront the party over policies it sees as harmful to business.

A leaked internal paper from April 2024 reveals deeper concerns. The document criticises the AfD not for its far-right ideology or democratic threats, but for rejecting neoliberal principles. Key issues include the party’s refusal to raise the retirement age beyond 63 and its push for a universal citizen’s insurance scheme. The association’s shift highlights a priority: economic policies over political extremism. While it now distances itself from the AfD, the internal analysis shows the real friction lies in the party’s lack of free-market alignment.

The Family Entrepreneurs has lost members over the controversy. Its reversal underscores how financial risks can override ideological tolerance. For now, the group maintains a public stance against extremism—while its private documents tell a different story.