Weidel Backs German Exit from Euro and Schengen

Alice Weidel, co-chair of Alternative for Germany (AfD), confirmed that if her party enters the federal government, it intends to take Germany out of both the eurozone and the Schengen Area. In an interview with public broadcaster ZDF, she also signaled a tougher immigration policy.

She described the euro as an “unstable” and “weak” currency, arguing that, in her view, Germany fared significantly better before the introduction of the single currency. She also warned that open borders posed a threat to internal security.

Weidel said all Syrians would be returned to their homeland and that Afghans would no longer be flown into Germany. She also called for more deportations.

Alternative for Germany wants to scrap the EU’s 2035 zero-emissions requirement for new cars and advocates “market openness and technological neutrality”. Weidel criticized European regulations and state subsidies for electric vehicles and rejected the need for measures to combat climate change.

Ahead of the 6 September state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Weidel said the AfD wanted to demonstrate its ability to govern and enforce the law. The party is polling at more than 40% in the state, with the latest Infratest dimap survey putting it at 41%. Nationwide, the AfD stands at 27% in the latest ZDF Politbarometer.

(zdf, bak)