AfD threatens referendum on Germany's EU exit if Brussels rejects reforms

The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) wants to overhaul how the European Union works, according to a document obtained by Politico. The party proposes ending direct elections to the European Parliament, with MEPs instead appointed by national parliaments. It also wants the European Commission limited to administrative tasks, the Court of Justice of the EU replaced by an arbitration tribunal, and the EU budget cut, with some agencies abolished and staff numbers limited.

The document does not propose leaving the EU or the eurozone immediately. If Brussels refuses the reforms, however, the party is considering a referendum on Germany leaving the Union. Party leader Alice Weidel is set to present the plan in Strasbourg on Wednesday, 21 October, at an event titled 'A new agreement for Europe'. The reforms would take effect from 2029, the year of scheduled European and federal elections in Germany. The proposals follow a plan Marine Le Pen presented in Brussels to reduce the power of EU institutions.