Autobauer in der Krise: Merz warnt vor Verlust von Arbeitsplätzen in der Industrie

Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz cautioned of potential industrial job losses in Germany following Volkswagen's crisis. Speaking at a CDU party event in Langenhagen, Merz highlighted that Volkswagen serves as a prime example of the automotive industry's struggles in Germany and Europe. "We are currently losing a large number of industrial jobs," warned Merz, ahead of Lower Saxony's municipal elections.

Merz welcomed the recent agreement at Volkswagen's supervisory board. He emphasized that an open dispute over the firm's leadership, even leading to an extraordinary shareholders' meeting, would have been unproductive. The agreement, however, is only provisional for now. Merz stressed the unique significance of the conglomerate for Lower Saxony, stating, "No other state is so closely tied to a major industrial enterprise like Lower Saxony."

The automotive giant's fate is also intertwined with numerous jobs at suppliers, retail, and trade. Niedersachsen's CDU leader, Sebastian Lechner, blamed the state government for previous shortcomings, noting that two years ago, the looming difficulties at Volkswagen could have been anticipated. Lechner urged the time to have been used to develop prospects for the Lower Saxony plants.

Lechner welcomed the agreement but criticized the ongoing lack of clarity regarding several locations. The future of the plants in Hannover and Emden, in particular, is expected to be decided by June of the following year. The CDU vowed to cooperate constructively in finding solutions, Merz affirmed. The future of four German Volkswagen plants remains uncertain, pending further developments.