The chairman of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Wedel, has stirred up controversy with his recent remarks about the possibility of a “Brexit” for Germany. In an interview with the media, Wedel stated that drastic reforms within the European Union (EU) are necessary, and if these reforms are not achieved, Germany should consider holding a referendum on whether to withdraw from the EU.
Wedel emphasized that the EU’s current “deficiencies in the democratic system,” including excessive powers and limited sovereignty of member states, need to be addressed through reform. If these reforms fail to achieve the desired results, Wedel suggested that Germany should follow the example of the United Kingdom and hold a referendum on leaving the EU.
However, holding a referendum on EU membership in Germany will not be an easy task. According to the German Basic Law, Germany does not have the option of holding a referendum across the entire country. Additionally, Wedel stated that the AfD is not expected to come to power before 2029, implying that a referendum would not be feasible until after the next federal election.
Wedel’s remarks have raised concerns within the federal government, with Franziska Brantner, the Green Party State Secretary at the German Ministry of Economy, expressing alarm at the prospect of a potential “Germany’s Brexit.” She emphasized the importance of the EU internal market to Germany’s economy, businesses, and job market, stating that the AfD’s plan could cause serious harm to the country.
The controversy surrounding Wedel’s remarks comes amidst a wave of anti-rightist sentiment sweeping Germany. Over the weekend, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across the country to hold rallies and marches against the far right and to defend democratic institutions. The large-scale protests have had an impact on the AfD’s public support, with the party’s support dropping by 1.5% in the latest polls.
Despite the decline in public support, the number of AfD party members continues to increase, with 1,400 new membership applications received in just a few weeks. The AfD currently has a total of 41,000 members, making it the second-largest party in Germany after the CDU.
The situation has caused concern and uncertainty within the political landscape of Germany, as the AfD’s influence and support continue to grow amidst calls for drastic reform within the EU. The future direction of Germany’s relationship with the EU remains uncertain, with the possibility of a referendum on EU membership remaining a topic of debate and discussion.