Evonik CEO warns small businesses against cozying up to AfD - Evonik CEO warns German businesses against far-right AfD alliances
Christian Kullmann, CEO of chemical giant Evonik, has spoken out against the rising support for the far-right AfD among German businesses. His comments come as concerns grow over economic uncertainty and shifting political alliances in the country's industrial sector.
Evonik, a major player with €15.2 billion in revenue and over 30,000 employees, finds itself at the centre of this debate. The company's largest shareholder, the RAG Foundation, holds nearly 47 percent of its shares.
Kullmann criticised the increasing alignment of mid-sized German firms with the Alternative for Germany (AfD). He warned that such cooperation risks damaging the country's economic and social stability. According to him, fears of economic decline and downward mobility are driving some businesses toward the far-right party.
He called on industry leaders to reject collaboration with the AfD. His stance reflects broader concerns about the party's influence on Germany's business landscape. Despite his warnings, no reliable data exists on how many medium-sized companies have openly backed the AfD since 2020.
Evonik's position as a major employer and economic force adds weight to Kullmann's appeal. The company's financial strength—with €15.2 billion in revenue—highlights the potential impact of political shifts on Germany's industrial sector.
Kullmann's remarks underscore the tension between economic fears and political loyalty in German business. His call for resistance against AfD cooperation puts pressure on other firms to clarify their stance.
The debate comes at a time when the AfD's influence continues to grow. How businesses respond could shape Germany's economic and political future in the years ahead.
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