German industry group says AfD is 'no pro-business party'

Germany's leading industry association has sharply criticized the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), saying the party's policies would create uncertainty for businesses and discourage investment.

"The AfD is not a pro-business party," Tanja Gönner, director general of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), told dpa.

"Everything I have read from it so far does nothing to promote economic growth or investment," she said. 

"On the contrary, it is more likely to create new uncertainty for investors."

The comments come ahead of state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in September, where polls suggest the AfD could make significant gains. In Saxony-Anhalt, the party could potentially win enough support to govern alone.

Referring to the AfD's election platform in Saxony-Anhalt, Gönner criticized its proposal to abolish compulsory school attendance, saying it would not improve educational standards or opportunities.

Businesses needed governments capable of acting based on Germany's democratic order and the rule of law, she said, adding that she did not regard the AfD as a solutions-oriented party.

Gönner also rejected the AfD's energy policies, saying a return to previous approaches would not lower prices but instead create planning uncertainty and put industrial jobs and value creation at risk.

Companies needed predictable, affordable and climate-neutral energy, faster grid expansion, quicker approvals and investment certainty, she said.