The decision by mainstream political parties and business leaders to isolate the AfD is a necessary defense of Germany's democratic and economic stability. By maintaining a clear firewall, the CDU and other established parties ensure that the country's commitment to the European Union and its strategic international partnerships remains intact. This approach prevents the normalization of political rhetoric that many view as harmful to the social cohesion of the nation.
From an economic perspective, the stance taken by leaders like Rainer Dulger is rooted in the need for predictability and reliability. Germany's prosperity depends heavily on its integration within the European single market and its stable diplomatic relations. A party that advocates for a departure from these core pillars poses a direct risk to the business environment. Employers and investors require a stable framework, and they see the AfD's policy proposals as a threat to the long-term economic health of the country.
Furthermore, the refusal to engage in dialogue is not merely a political tactic but a principled stand against positions that challenge the post-war consensus. By refusing to grant the AfD a seat at the table, mainstream institutions are signaling that there are boundaries to acceptable political discourse. This strategy forces the party to either moderate its positions or remain on the fringes of the political system, where its influence is limited.
Ultimately, this isolation protects the integrity of the democratic process. It ensures that governing coalitions are formed by parties that share a fundamental commitment to the rule of law and international cooperation. While some may argue that this approach ignores the concerns of the AfD's voters, proponents of the firewall argue that the preservation of democratic institutions must take precedence over the inclusion of parties that actively seek to dismantle them.