AfD Proposes German EU Exit and Abortion Restrictions in Election Manifesto

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has unveiled a comprehensive draft for its election manifesto, proposing a bold departure from the European Union and significant changes to the country’s abortion laws, alongside economic and security policies that aim to redefine Germany’s national and international stance.

Proposed Exit from the EU and the Euro

The AfD has declared its intention to facilitate Germany’s exit from the EU, advocating for the establishment of a new European community termed as a “Europe of Fatherlands,” which would focus on mutual economic interests rather than political union. This move, dubbed “Dexit,” aims to restore national sovereignty and economic independence by reintroducing the Deutsche Mark, distancing Germany from the perceived fiscal disparities within the Eurozone. The party suggests a public referendum to decide on this critical transition, emphasizing the need for a strategic and consensual negotiation with both existing and potential European partners.

Restricting Abortion and Revising Family Policies

On social issues, the AfD has taken a staunch conservative stance, proposing severe restrictions on abortion, which should remain permissible only under stringent conditions such as criminal or medical necessities. The manifesto highlights a vision to reduce the number of abortions in Germany significantly, suggesting mandatory counseling sessions that include ultrasound images to underscore fetal development stages. This move has sparked considerable debate about women’s rights and the underlying values driving the party’s policy directions.

Realigning Energy and Economic Policies

Economically, the AfD is pushing for a return to traditional energy sources, including coal and nuclear power, while also advocating for the resumption of natural gas imports via Nord Stream pipelines. Criticizing the current government’s focus on renewable energy as influenced by a ‘leftist zeitgeist,’ the party proposes a diversified energy production strategy that they believe will stabilize the national economy and ensure reliable energy supply.

The draft also expresses a commitment to free-market economics, proposing minimal state intervention and significant tax cuts, although specifics on funding these cuts remain vague. The manifesto additionally calls for a halt to public investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, signaling a preference to support the automobile industry in more conventional ways.

Security and Foreign Policy Directions

On the international front, the AfD’s manifesto proposes lifting economic sanctions against Russia, advocating for a neutral Ukraine outside of NATO and EU alignments. The party’s security policy suggests a fortified national defense, although it steps back from previous calls for reinstating conscription, reflecting an ongoing internal debate about the most effective model for national security.

Societal Implications and Controversies

The manifesto also touches on gender identity and sexual orientation, with the AfD aiming to repeal laws that allow transgender individuals to change their gender and names in official documents. The party criticizes what it terms a ‘trans-cult’ and alleged premature sexualization of children, proposing to ban puberty blockers used in gender transition treatments.

The AfD’s manifesto for the upcoming election encapsulates a vision for Germany that marks a radical departure from current political, economic, and social policies. By proposing stringent laws on abortion, advocating for a ‘Dexit,’ and realigning security and energy policies, the AfD is positioning itself as a transformative force in German politics, albeit one that is generating significant controversy and debate across the spectrum.