{
  "id": 1225704,
  "title": "Interview: Ostdeutscher Unternehmer Martin Menz: „Ich mache mir Sorgen um unsere Zukunft“",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/interview-ostdeutscher-unternehmer-martin-menz-ich-mache-mir-sorgen",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-16T07:08:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/handel-konsumgueter/sachsen-anhalt-kenne-keinen-unternehmer-der-afd-waehlt-relaxdays-gruender-in-sorge/100246135.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Martin Menz, the founder of Relaxdays, expressed concern about the future during an interview with the Handelsblatt. The online retailer, which generates around 120 million euros in annual revenue, employs people from 36 nations and is known for its commitment to diversity. However, the political climate in Sachsen-Anhalt ahead of the September election is causing him worry. The AfD, which openly discusses remigration, is leading in the polls and has been classified as far-right extremist by the Constitutional Court. While most entrepreneurs prefer not to comment on politics, Menz made his stance clear during the interview. He is worried about the country's future and the impact of potential AfD government policies. Menz emphasized the importance of staying proud of one's heritage and not associating it with any particular political party. He also highlighted the challenges of attracting skilled international workers to Halle, citing bureaucratic hurdles such as the PPWR, EUDR, CBAM, and CBAM. Menz hopes that a future AfD government would be closely scrutinized in its plans to transform the country.",
  "summary": "Der Gründer des ostdeutschen Onlinehändlers Relaxdays spricht über seine Gefühle vor der Wahl in Sachsen-Anhalt, Probleme des Standorts Deutschland und den Turnaround seines Unternehmens.",
  "key_points": [
    "Martin Menz, Relaxdays founder, expresses concern about future during Handelsblatt interview.",
    "AfD's political climate in Sachsen-Anhalt ahead of September election worries Menz."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}