German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called on carmaker Volkswagen to refrain from closing plants, German media reported on Sunday.
“Closing plants would be the wrong step. Precisely because bad management decisions contributed to a difficult situation, it would be wrong,” the German politician said in an interview with the media group’s newspaper.
Scholz is reported to have said that it is up to company owners to discuss concrete solutions together with the social partners, but that “it is always right to remind companies of their responsibility.” The Chancellor also emphasised that he is an opponent of firing employees just to save money.
During the interview, the Chancellor expressed his belief that it is still right for carmakers to continue the transition period and focus on electromobility and noted the importance of improving the framework conditions for change.
“I don’t think the EU is now threatening manufacturers with billions of dollars in fines if they don’t meet COâ‚‚ emission targets next year. Because everyone is well on their way, only the market is not growing as fast as they would like. Instead of fines, manufacturers would be better off investing in further development of e-mobility,” the politician explained.
