The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), once a staunch opponent of the euro and the European Union, is re-evaluating its stance as it gains political influence. Founded in 2013 during the euro crisis, the AfD initially focused on opposition to the common currency but later expanded its criticism to the EU itself. Its rise in popularity, particularly after a historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt in September, has sparked debate within the party about balancing its anti-establishment roots with the need to appear credible to potential allies.
Recent shifts in the AfD’s strategy include a focus on reforming the EU from within rather than abandoning it. In October, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel presented a strategy paper in the European Parliament advocating for a looser union with opt-out mechanisms for members who reject common policies. The paper suggests that if reform efforts fail, Germany’s future in Europe could be decided by a referendum. This approach mirrors tactics used by other far-right parties in Europe, such as France’s National Rally and Italy’s Brothers of Italy, which have softened their eurosceptic rhetoric to broaden their appeal.
However, the issue of quitting the euro remains contentious within the AfD. Younger members, like Jean-Pascal Hohm, head of the party’s youth wing, argue that hardline positions could complicate potential cooperation with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative party. Hohm and others contend that Europe’s changing political realities, along with economic interdependence, make the case for more cooperation within the bloc. Yet, the euro issue remains divisive, as evidenced by a withdrawn resolution at an August congress that emphasized the EU’s role in shared history and heritage.
Analysts suggest that the AfD’s shift aligns with the path taken by Austria’s far-right Freedom Party, which moderated its anti-European positions to gain power. Wolfgang Schroeder, a political science professor, notes that leaving the EU or the euro would be economically disastrous for Germany’s export-driven economy. Despite these arguments, the debate within the AfD is far from settled, reflecting the party’s ongoing struggle to reconcile its anti-establishment identity with its growing political ambitions.