AfD Euro skeptics shift stance, consider keeping the common currency
AfD euro-skeptics have drafted a new position paper that abandons the party’s long-standing call for an exit from the euro zone.
A policy document prepared by AfD members of the European Parliament suggests the party may now support retaining the euro and the EU internal market. The paper was discussed at a meeting of EU, federal and state party spokespeople in late September, with party leader Tino Chrupalla in attendance. This marks a notable reversal from the party’s original anti-euro platform established in 2013.
Why it matters
A shift in AfD policy could alter Germany's euro-zone stance and affect broader European politics.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTAll camps report that the AfD is reconsidering its anti-euro, anti-EU stance, describing it as a notable shift from its original platform.
LEFT
Highlights the party’s reversal and possible support for keeping the euro and EU internal market.
CENTER
Frames the move as a significant change of a founding principle, noting the long-standing opposition to EU membership and the euro.
RIGHT
Emphasizes the AfD as a far-right party weighing a shift from its anti-EU roots, citing a strategy paper that marks the change.
The left emphasises
- may now support retaining the euro and the EU internal market
- notable reversal from the party’s original anti-euro platform
The right emphasises
- far-right AfD weighs shift from anti-EU roots
- strategy paper shows the change
- party created in 2013 largely in opposition to euro-zone bailout policies
How this story developed
- Sep 21 Speaking on Tagesschau Extra, Krings said a division of the two top positions has not been ruled out and should be openly discussed. He recalled past CDU experiences where combining the roles proved problematic and stressed that the country's interests must come before personal ambitions. Krings added that the party must focus on overdue reforms rather than debating leadership changes, especially after recent electoral defeats in several states.
- Sep 21 The Greens announced they will seek a red‑green‑red coalition with the Left and SPD.
- Sep 21 AfD received about 44% of the vote in Saxony‑Anhalt, falling short of a majority by three seats.
- Sep 22 The CDU top council met on Monday to voice concerns about the party’s leadership.
- Sep 23 SPD and Greens require Die Linke to demonstrate anti‑antisemitism safeguards before coalition talks can proceed.
- Sep 24 Merz faces mounting pressure after the regional setbacks.
- Sep 24 The Israeli ambassador warned of an “immediate existential threat” to Berlin’s Jewish community over alleged antisemitism in the party.
- Sep 24 The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance pledged support for the AfD’s speaker nominee, creating a parliamentary majority for the AfD in Saxony‑Anhalt.
- Sep 27 SPD and Greens issued a joint warning demanding Die Linke reject antisemitism and clan crime before coalition talks proceed.
- Sep 29 AfD parliamentary group chair Ulrich Siegmund said he will stand for the Minister-President post in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament in December.
- Oct 3 Tobias Rausch was elected speaker of the Landtag.
- Oct 3 AfD now ahead of the Union in the latest INSA Sunday poll, widening the gap.
In this story
Related stories
43 in this thread