Reference News Network, November 27 report: On November 26, the French newspaper "Les Échos" published an article titled "The Idea of Excluding the German Alternative Party Has Failed", authored by Emmanuel Glaslant. The article is excerpted as follows:

This is a significant signal, marking a shift in the attitude of the German business community towards the far-right. Last week, the German Association of Family Businesses announced on LinkedIn that it would terminate its previous "political isolation" measures against the far-right party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The president of the association, Marie-Christine Ostermann, wrote: "The idea of completely excluding the Alternative for Germany from politics has failed, and all election polls confirm this. Rather than solving many people's concerns, the ruling coalition has only exacerbated the crisis. For an increasing number of people, the Alternative for Germany reflects their deep desire for stability and an predictable world."

This move is not neutral, as family businesses carry significant weight in Germany. They account for nearly 90% of all businesses, generating 46% of the turnover of German companies, and employing 58% of those enrolled in social insurance. The German Association of Family Businesses, founded in 1949, brings together 6,500 companies, each meeting the criteria of having at least 10 employees and a minimum turnover of 1 million euros.

This decision has triggered a wave of protests in the German political and economic circles. Lars Klingbeil, Deputy Chancellor and Minister of Finance of Germany, stated on November 25 at the Berlin Employers' Conference: "We expect the country to prosper, but we must seek the best path together with democratic parties. For this reason, we will never associate with far-right forces."

This strategic shift of the association will immediately have an impact: its next parliamentary night event will have to find another venue. According to German media, as a partner, Deutsche Bank has clearly requested that the association no longer be allowed to use its premises.

Ostermann argued: "Our family entrepreneurs do not want a government that includes the Alternative for Germany." She also advocated a more pragmatic approach, saying, "It has been proven that mere outrage is an ineffective political strategy. Using increasingly intense anti-fascist slogans to claim moral superiority has yielded no real results." She emphasized: "Discussing with people who have different ideas does not mean accepting their position. Talking does not mean cooperation." (Translated by Liu Zhuo)

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7577407388828680704/

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