Germany’s AfD proposes radical EU overhaul in latest election manifesto

The German right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) insists on the country's withdrawal from the European Union and the discontinuation of the use of the single European currency in the final draft of its pre-election program.

The AfD held similar positions during the 2021 election campaign, but later distanced itself from them, Caliber.Az reports via Der Spiegel.

In the newly released document, the party highlights the need for the creation of a "new European community" that would replace the current EU. 

The states within this new union would be bound by "shared interests, including in the economy." However, the AfD also acknowledges that a "hard break" with the EU would be counterproductive, advocating instead for negotiations to reach a consensus.

This statement underscores the party’s continued push for a fundamental rethinking of Germany's relationship with Europe, positioning itself against the current EU framework while leaving the door open for future negotiations.

Note that, on January 22, Alice Weidel, leader of AfD announced that the party would push for a Brexit-style referendum on Germany's membership in the EU if it comes to power. 

In an interview with the Financial Times, she praised the UK's decision to leave the EU as "dead right" and suggested that Germany should follow a similar path if EU reforms are not achievable.

Weidel argued that if Germany could not regain sovereignty within the EU, the public should be allowed to decide through a referendum on a potential "Dexit."

This proposal challenges Germany’s pro-European political consensus and faces legal and public opinion hurdles.

By Aghakazim Guliyev