The praise for democracy has rarely been as prevalent as it is today: Even the development bank KfW – politically close but politically neutral – distances itself from the AfD without naming the party. The development bank observes the "strengthening of anti-democratic forces in the country with great concern," said bank CEO Stefan Wintels on Wednesday. Now is the time to stand up for "diversity, openness, and democracy."

Given the surge in popularity of right-wing populists and various statements and gestures suggesting an authoritarian mindset within parts of the AfD, it is clear whom the KfW is referring to. However, an institute that is controlled not least by politicians from the federal government, Bundestag, and federal states must avoid the impression of campaigning against a controversial party for political reasons. And so, the bank CEO chooses evocative statements that seem self-evident but nonetheless convey a message. The state bank is not aligned with any party but distances itself from all those who reject a democratic order.

This is an important signal: The rise of right-wing populists in Europe can gradually weaken democratic institutions, as can be seen in Hungary or Poland. It is not right-wing parties per se against which a state institution should position itself – this would contradict the principle of political neutrality. It is about a commitment to the rules of the game that are a mark of democracies. It is important to strengthen these norms. The more societal actors advocate for them, the better.

Other institutions also subscribe to this creed. Sabine Mauderer, a member of the board of the Bundesbank, for example, appeared at a demonstration against right-wing extremism in Frankfurt over the weekend. Openness and tolerance are the foundation for the economy and prosperity, according to her speechwriters. Wintels argues similarly. For a development institution, this seems obvious.

Of course, the words do not necessarily only target the AfD. The KfW's commitment to a "united Europe" and a "rules-based world order" could also be interpreted as a hint to the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance. After all, the splinter group of the left-wing party finds it difficult to name Russia as an aggressor in the Ukraine war. Did Wintels have that in mind? As the head of a state bank, he cannot say it so clearly. But as long as the message is between the lines, the KfW's commitment is appropriate.