Siemens Energy CEO Christian Bruch has warned that the AfD’s plan to revive coal and restart nuclear power would harm German industry and could undermine democratic norms. He expressed particular concern as the AfD rose in polls in Saxony-Anhalt, where domestic intelligence labels the party "confirmed far-right." Business leaders including Deutsche Bank’s Christian Sewing have criticised the AfD’s economic approach as incompatible with openness, European cooperation and investor confidence.
Siemens Energy CEO: AfD’s Energy Plans Send a ‘Dramatically Wrong Message’ — Risking Industry and Stability
Removed campaign posters lie on the bed of a vehicle belonging to the Magdeburg Public Order Office. (is associated with: «Top German executive says AfD sending 'dramatically wrong message'») Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa
Siemens Energy has issued a stark warning about the energy proposals advanced by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as the party looked poised for strong electoral gains in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
Industry Concerns and Political Stability
Christian Bruch, Chief Executive of Siemens Energy, said the AfD programme — which calls for a return to coal and a restart of nuclear power — would damage German industry and in some respects threaten democratic norms. "I consider that absolutely critical," Bruch told dpa, stressing that the company and its workforce rely on stable politics, predictable policies and the ability to attract international skilled workers and foreign investment.
"Nostalgic politics keeps setting us further back," Bruch warned, arguing the party is sending a "dramatically wrong message" as other countries move rapidly to modernise.
Bruch also noted that domestic intelligence in Saxony-Anhalt has classified the local AfD branch as "confirmed far-right," heightening concerns about the party’s potential impact on Germany’s political and economic reputation.
Wider Business Community Pushback
Leading business figures have echoed these warnings. Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing recently said that populist parties offer simplistic solutions but promote policies that conflict with the foundations of German success: openness, diversity, European cooperation, and reliable institutions.
Despite mainstream parties rejecting the AfD as a coalition partner, there are growing fears the party could secure enough support in Saxony-Anhalt to govern alone — a scenario business leaders worry could unsettle markets and investor confidence across Europe.
Help us improve.
