The far-right Alternative for Germany’s parliamentary group again called for tax cuts, a return to nuclear power, gas supplies from Russia and the abolition of the CO2 levy at a meeting on Saturday that was closed to the public.
“Germany is facing its most severe economic crisis in decades,” a position paper adopted by lawmakers said.
“Skyrocketing energy prices, an excessive tax and levy burden, rampant bureaucracy and a misguided, ideologically driven technology policy are permanently weakening Germany’s competitiveness as a business location,” said the paper agreed in the eastern city of Cottbus.
The paper stated that an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment and global trade conflicts were putting German companies under further pressure.
It also referred to the impact of the war in Iran and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The group reiterated calls from its tax policy proposal for an increase in the basic tax-free allowance to €15,000 ($17,580), up from the current €12,348.
The lawmakers also seek an increase in the child allowance to €12,000 from the current €9,756.
The AfD wants to reduce corporation tax to an “internationally competitive level,” and the paper proposed this be financed initially through “spending cuts, including on climate-ideological projects in the budget.”
More than 130 people gathered for an opposition rally opposite the hotel where the meeting was held.
Many held signs calling for a constitutional review of the AfD, as similar rallies were held nationwide.