dw.com
AfD Doubles Down on German Exit from EU Despite High Costs
Germany's far-right AfD party has reaffirmed its commitment to leaving the EU and abandoning the euro if elected, despite the projected €690 billion cost and 87% of Germans supporting EU membership, believing that alternative arrangements would be beneficial.
- What are the immediate economic and political consequences of the AfD's proposed withdrawal of Germany from the European Union?
- The AfD, a German far-right party, has doubled down on its pledge to pull Germany out of the EU and abandon the euro if it gains power. This is reiterated in a recent electoral manifesto, despite previous statements suggesting it was "too late" for a German exit. The party proposes replacing the EU with a new "Europe for the Homeland" platform.
- What are the underlying ideological motivations behind the AfD's "Dexit" proposal, and how do they relate to its historical positions?
- The AfD's proposal to leave the EU and the eurozone stems from its core nationalist principles and Euroscepticism. This stance, while unpopular with the majority of Germans (87% support EU membership according to a KAS survey), is consistent with the party's historical anti-globalist and anti-international authority positions. The economic consequences, estimated at €690 billion by the IW institute, are dismissed by the AfD as unfounded.
- What are the long-term implications of the AfD's "Dexit" proposal, and how likely is it to succeed given current political and economic realities?
- The AfD's "Dexit" plan, while currently politically unrealistic due to constitutional barriers and widespread opposition, represents a long-term bet on growing Euroscepticism across Europe. This strategy anticipates a potential shift towards a Eurasian economic and political model, aligning with the AfD's nationalist and anti-globalist ideology. The plan's immediate impact is likely limited, but its long-term implications could be significant if Eurosceptic sentiment increases.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents AfD's proposal as a serious but potentially disastrous plan. While it presents AfD's arguments, it also highlights the significant economic risks involved. The framing emphasizes the potential negative consequences, which might influence reader perception.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although terms like "extremist right" could be considered loaded. The article generally presents facts and quotes without excessive emotional language. However, the use of terms such as "kamikaze mission" adds a subjective tone.
Bias by Omission
The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from both supporters and critics of AfD's proposal. However, it could benefit from including data on public opinion regarding specific aspects of AfD's plan, beyond the overall support for EU membership. It also focuses heavily on the economic consequences and doesn't explore the potential social or political ramifications of leaving the EU in as much depth.
Sustainable Development Goals
The AfD's proposed exit from the EU and the Eurozone is projected to cause significant economic damage to Germany, resulting in substantial job losses and a contraction of the GDP. This directly undermines decent work and economic growth.