Siemens Energy ENR1n.DE supervisory board chairman Joe Kaeser has warned of a resurgence of right-wing extremism in Germany, as the country enters a second week of nationwide protests against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
“If everything is true as reported, then that is absolutely disgusting,” said Kaeser, also chairman of the supervisory board of Daimler Truck DTGGe.DE, in an interview with Reuters published on Saturday, in reference to reports of a meeting of right-wing extremists in Potsdam.
At the meeting, migration policy including mass deportations of people of foreign origin were discussed, as reported by investigative news website Correctiv. “This triggers bitter memories,” said Kaeser.
The AfD, which is polling second in nationwide surveys, has denied the plans are party policy. Co-leader Alice Weidel parted ways with one of her advisers who participated in the talks.
The AfD did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
Kaeser’s comments come after leaders of German companies including chip manufacturer Infineon IFXGn.DE and chemicals maker Evonik EVKn.DE voiced their concerns earlier this week.
Highlighting lessons from Germany history, Kaeser warned of the damage to Germany’s image in the world and called on German business to publicly warn of the consequences. He said he would take part in demonstrations against right-wing extremism that are taking place in many cities.
“We must not repeat this mistake. I am really worried about our democracy,” he said. Speaking of understanding, tolerance and respect as the basis for free basic order in German society, he added: “Anyone who votes for the AfD is choosing to lose the prosperity of our country and its citizens.”
Anti-AfD protests across Germany have gained momentum with tens of thousands gathering on the streets of Cologne, Hamburg and Berlin. In Hamburg on Friday, the turnout was so big that organisers decided to end the demo earlier for security reasons.
Further protests are planned this weekend in cities including Frankfurt and Munich. Tens of thousands had gathered in Frankfurt’s centre by 14:00 on Saturday, according to local police.
“I am grateful that tens of thousands of people are taking to the streets across Germany these days against racism, hate speech and in favour of our liberal democracy,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on social media platform X on Wednesday.
(Reuters)