Brussels, 9 January 2025
Insight EU Monitoring consistently tracks the political developments of European parties. As Germany’s Federal Elections on February 23 approach, we are sharing key excerpts from party programs that may resonate with our global audience spanning Europe, the Americas, China, Russia, Africa, and Australia.
The following excerpt comes from the draft election program 2025 of Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), expected to be officially adopted at the party’s Federal Conference on January 11 and 12, 2025.
We have selected the chapter titled “Time for Security”, which outlines the party’s positions on critical international relations, including its stance toward the United States, China, and Russia.
This translation, prepared with the support of ChatGPT, aims to foster an informed dialogue, particularly within the United States.
For readers seeking a broader understanding of the AfD’s policy platform, the full draft program is available in German.
LEAD PROPOSAL OF THE FEDERAL PROGRAM COMMISSION
Program of the Alternative for Germany for the Election of the 21st German Bundestag for the 16th Federal Party Conference of the AfD in Riesa
January 11-12, 2025
WT Energiesysteme Arena Am Sportzentrum 5 | 01589 Riesa
As of: November 28, 2024
[…]
Time for Security
External Security
Foreign Policy Must Be Realpolitik in Germany’s Interest
The prerequisite for German foreign policy is a sovereign Germany that guarantees the freedom, law, prosperity, and security of its citizens.
The “values-based” foreign policy of recent decades has not made the world safer and failed to prevent the outbreak of the largest war in Europe since 1945.
The Alternative for Germany sees itself as a party prioritizing diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution. We stand for a Europe of nation-states and firmly reject the centralist ambitions of the European Union (EU).
This union of European nations, which we aim to establish as an economic and interest-based community, preserves the far-reaching sovereignty of its member states internally while enabling coordinated action externally.
German foreign policy must once again be guided by the requirements of realpolitik rather than unrealistic ideologies.
The AfD rejects the communitization of European foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the European External Action Service (High Representative CFSP / EU Defense Commissioner).
The AfD adheres to the principles of international law, particularly the United Nations (UN) Charter. In the spirit of the Helsinki Agreement, we affirm that no country should interfere in the internal affairs of another.
The right of peoples to self-determination must not be undermined by the agendas of intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or the growing power of global corporations. We demand that foreign NGOs operating in Germany disclose their funding sources.
A stable European peace order requires balanced cooperation based on the legitimate security interests of all European states. We reject further eastern enlargement of the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The world is undergoing a transformation towards a multipolar world order. Germany must not become an object of foreign interests. Together with our European partners, we aim to shape and ensure a future stable peace order. We must expand our sovereignty, confidently articulate our national interests, and pursue them resolutely.
The AfD supports the security policy concept of European strategic autonomy and its development into a power center within the changing world order.
A stable peace order in Europe and the world also secures vital foreign trade relations and the primary energy supply for Germany. We pursue an interest-driven relationship with the major powers of the world—China, the United States, and the Russian Federation.
Until an independent and operational European military alliance is established, membership in NATO and an active role for Germany in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) remain central elements of our security strategy.
Defense Policy – Restoring Germany’s Defense Capability
The German Armed Forces are not defensible. This was acknowledged by the federal government with the “Zeitenwende” declared in February 2022. However, the necessary measures for rebuilding the Bundeswehr remain unimplemented. Decades of chronic underfunding, the continuous transfer of operational material and weapon systems from Bundeswehr stocks to Ukraine, and the sustained strain on troops through the training of Ukrainian soldiers have left the German Armed Forces in a deplorable state. Personnel and operational equipment are lacking.
To fulfill its primary mission of national and alliance defense, the Bundeswehr must not only be adequately funded but also regain its operational readiness, particularly in terms of equipment and personnel.
To avoid loyalty conflicts, service in the Armed Forces should be reserved exclusively for German citizens. Privatizations and centralizations should only be applied where demonstrably necessary to enhance the operational capability of the troops. Responsibility must be returned to the hands of inspectors and commanders accountable for fulfilling their missions.
The AfD calls for the expansion of an autonomous and efficient defense industry in Germany.
New hybrid threats and cyberattacks by state and non-state actors require a significant strengthening of the Bundeswehr in these areas. We also advocate for the development of offensive cyber capabilities to deter potential adversaries from attacking critical infrastructure.
Beyond strengthening personnel and material operational readiness, the Bundeswehr must also be ideologically revitalized. The motivation and commitment of our soldiers to Germany are decisive in defense cases, determining victory or defeat.
The Bundeswehr should, therefore, cultivate a strong esprit de corps, its traditions, and German values. The virtues of soldiers are honor, loyalty, camaraderie, and bravery. The Bundeswehr must embody the best traditions of German military history. These traditions foster a soldierly attitude and virtues—even in public—and include military songs and customs.
Expanding Civil Protection in Germany
With the end of the Cold War, civil protection measures in Germany were successively dismantled, leaving the population inadequately protected in the event of a defense emergency. There are not enough operational and functioning shelters available. We, therefore, demand the establishment and expansion of an operational infrastructure for the civilian population.
Germany in Europe and the World
We welcome the development toward a multipolar world, seek to harness its opportunities, and minimize its risks. The United Nations must be reformed to reflect the changing global balance of power.
We aim for Germany to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and the removal of the enemy state clause directed against Germany in the UN Charter. Additionally, we advocate withdrawing from the UN Global Compact for Migration and the UN Global Compact on Refugees.
A New Peace Order on the European Continent
A stable peace order in Europe requires balanced cooperation among all European states, considering their legitimate security interests.
The role of the OSCE in stabilizing crisis regions in Europe and its periphery must be further developed. All opportunities for dialogue must be utilized. There must not be a new “Iron Curtain” in Europe.
We advocate strengthening and expanding control mechanisms for nuclear and conventional armament and renegotiating suspended treaties (INF, START, ABM, MBFR, etc.).
Reparations demands, such as those raised by Poland and Greece, are rejected as these matters have already been conclusively resolved under international law. The legal and peace order established in Europe must not be called into question by unacceptable demands.
Relations with Selected States
United States
Good relations with the United States (USA) are of fundamental importance for Germany and Europe, particularly in economic, technological, and scientific collaboration. However, the geopolitical and economic interests of the USA increasingly differ from those of Germany and other European states. One example of this is energy supply, such as the USA’s extensive attempts to prevent the operation of the Nord Stream gas pipeline.
Germany must not be drawn into conflicts through pivotal decisions made by the USA regarding other powers. We reject the planned stationing of long-range US weapons systems (cruise missiles, drones, and rockets) in Germany.
Russia
For decades, Russia has been a reliable supplier and guarantor of affordable energy, which is the Achilles’ heel of Germany’s energy-intensive economy. To restore uninterrupted trade with Russia, the immediate lifting of economic sanctions against Russia and the repair of the Nord Stream pipelines are necessary.
Germany’s relations with the Eurasian Economic Union should be expanded.
Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has disrupted the European peace order. We view Ukraine’s future as a neutral state outside of NATO and the EU.
European Neighborhood
Turkey is not culturally a part of Europe but remains an important strategic and economic partner for us. We reject interference in our internal affairs through ideological or financial support of Islamist and nationalist groups from abroad.
The path to peace in the Middle East does not lie in terror, war, or international interference but in confidence-building measures. The goal is a just peace based on international law, equality, and mutual recognition. Our primary interests are preventing new mass migration and avoiding a regional conflagration in the Middle East.
China
Relations with the People’s Republic of China must align with Germany’s realpolitik interests. We aim to expand economic, scientific, and cultural ties with China. China is an essential trading partner for Germany, acting simultaneously as a competitor and partner.
Promoting these relations is in our interest, but only under strict adherence to equality and fairness in competition and protection against the exploitation and sell-off of German technology. The Chinese leadership has initiated a global infrastructure project known as the “New Silk Road,” which aims to strengthen China’s influence worldwide. We intend to leverage any opportunities this presents for the German economy.
All development aid to China must be stopped immediately.
Trade Policy – Germany Must Build on Economic Strengths
The global economy today is at a crossroads between further expanding global interconnections and moderately returning to decentralized, regionally focused value-added structures. German foreign trade policy must ensure non-discriminatory access to foreign import and export markets for German companies. This includes access to raw materials and the freedom of trade routes.
Its core task is, therefore, to maintain reliable trade rules and develop them further in line with our country’s interests. We reject ideologically driven solo efforts like the Supply Chain Act.
We support reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO) and fostering collaboration with BRICS nations and regional organizations such as ASEAN and Mercosur. Additionally, we demand stricter controls and consideration of Germany’s overall economic and defense interests when foreign corporations and financial investors take over German companies. Security-relevant and essential sectors must be protected from takeovers.
We consider decisions by foreign courts and authorities with extraterritorial effects to be null and void, and unilaterally imposed sanctions on German economic projects as violations of international law.
Germany’s External Cultural and Education Policy
The task of Germany’s foreign cultural policy is to build bridges to other nations, deepen knowledge about German culture and history, and support the domestic economy and tourism through the creation and maintenance of international contacts.
German foreign broadcasters, the Goethe Institutes, and various cultural projects should convey a positive image of Germany worldwide and promote our rich cultural heritage. A better understanding of our cultural values, traditions, and history fosters trust.
The AfD explicitly acknowledges Germany’s duty of care toward German minorities abroad. Therefore, a key focus of our foreign cultural policy must be to support these minorities in preserving their cultural and linguistic identity.
The AfD advocates adherence to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In EU institutions, the German language must be accorded equal status with English and French in accordance with its legal position and prevalence.
Redesigning Development Policy
German development policy has failed. The AfD demands a development policy that takes German security and economic interests into account. Development aid must be granted only to partner countries willing to repatriate their citizens who are obliged to leave Germany and cooperate quickly and effectively in determining their nationality or ethnic affiliation.
Aid must be self-help-oriented—not a subsidy for corrupt systems. Comprehensive monitoring of how provided funds are used is essential for any development cooperation. We call for strengthening material aid (e.g., local training assistance, infrastructure projects) and reducing financial aid.
The promotion of questionable gender- and WOKE-ideology-based development projects must end. Furthermore, we advocate that EU development aid policy be returned to the member state level to better represent the self-interests of nation-states.
Development aid to China and India, or nuclear powers like Pakistan, must be discontinued. Given the extremely challenging budgetary situation, we see the need for significant reductions in development cooperation funds.
Get the full draft election program in German
Source: Federal Office of the Alternative for Germany | Eichhorster Weg 80 | 13435 Berlin: AfD Program Draft