The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has approved its election program, which includes provisions for rejecting the euro, lifting anti-Russian sanctions, and withdrawing from the European Union.
The decision was made by a majority vote during the party congress held in the city of Riesa, with the proceedings broadcast on social media and the party’s website.
The party’s program outlines stricter immigration policies, an emphasis on building pragmatic relations with leading global powers, including the United States, China, and Russia, and supporting Germany’s continued membership in NATO until an independent European military alliance is established. If AfD comes to power, it plans to end Germany’s participation in economic sanctions against Russia and abandon plans to host U.S. medium-range missiles on German territory. According to the party, Ukraine should become a neutral state outside NATO and the EU.
The congress did not support a proposal by Bundestag member Albrecht Glaser to include a clause criticizing Russia for its special military operation in Ukraine.
According to the latest INSA poll conducted for Bild, AfD’s approval rating has risen to 22%, a 2-point increase. The CDU/CSU bloc remains in the lead with 30%, despite a 1-point drop, while the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) holds third place with 16% support.
Germany’s snap parliamentary elections are scheduled for February 23.
