German businesses rally against right-wing migration policies

Recent polls place the right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) in second position with about 20% backing, trailing just behind the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), as reported by the news service wiadomosci.wp.pl. AfD is vocal about its stance on banning migration. Furthermore, investigations by the journalist collective Correctiv revealed a clandestine meeting in Potsdam with several AfD politicians. The meeting discussed plans for 'reemigration' - essentially, extensive deportations from Germany of individuals with migrant backgrounds.

These revelations spurred a series of protests across Germany. As reported by "Deutsche Welle", workers and unions came together to voice their concerns. Notably, in Baden-Württemberg, a region in the southwest, the employers' association Suedwestmetall and the IG Metall union embraced the "Business for Democracy" declaration. Among the signatories were officials from Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

German President Frank Walter Steinmeier was present at the declaration’s unveiling. He emphasized the initiative as a direct confrontation against right-wing extremism and those who threaten the constitution, citing their disregard for human dignity.

In February 2024, it was acknowledged by the Vice Chancellor of Germany that the country is experiencing a shortage of workers. To address this, the government has rolled out various measures, including incentives encouraging seniors to extend their working lives voluntarily. Moreover, there's a push to attract skilled workers from outside the European Union through specific programmes and to integrate refugees into the workforce.

Economist Ulrike Malmendier stressed the necessity for increased immigration to address the labour shortfall. She was quoted by dw.com, stating the country needs workers willing to contribute to Germany's economy, regardless of their origin.

This perspective is echoed by business leaders who resist right-wing ideologies. "Without the contributions from people of diverse backgrounds in our companies and administration, Baden-Württemberg wouldn't be able to produce cars, construct machinery, or keep buses running on the roads," pointed out Barbara Resch, the head of the IG Metall union in Baden-Württemberg, in a discussion with dw.com.