Rise of AfD Ahead of State Elections in Germany Triggers Economic Concerns
Ahead of the upcoming state elections in Germany, the growing strength of the anti-immigrant AfD is viewed by economists and the business community as a major risk to growth, the labor workforce, and public finances.
Ahead of the critical state elections to be held in Germany in September, the rise of the anti-immigrant AfD is increasing concerns about the country's economic future, with economists issuing warnings regarding the labor market and growth.
Critical State Elections in September
Elections will be held in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, and in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on September 20. Recent polls indicate that the Left Party and the anti-immigrant AfD could emerge strong from the ballot box in these states.
AfD's Standing in Polls and Campaigns
According to research by the German polling firm INSA, the AfD ranks third across Berlin with 17 percent.
The AfD is campaigning by linking Berlin's housing crisis to immigrants and promising that social housing should be allocated exclusively to locals.
Sharp Criticisms from the Business World
Economic circles are voicing serious criticism of the AfD's economic program, arguing that the party's policies will harm the country.
Experts state that the policies of populist governments could shrink production by up to 10 percent in the long run, representing a massive economic loss.
Labor Market and Immigrant Workers
In the face of an aging German population, it is projected that halting migration would result in a shortage of 7 million workers over the next 15 years.
Throughout Saxony-Anhalt, immigrants make up a significant portion of the workforce in the food, construction, gastronomy, and logistics sectors.