Rossmann CEO Defends Competitor dm Amid Dispute Over AfD Engagement
The ongoing debate on how the business sector in Germany should engage with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has drawn attention after the CEO of Rossmann, a leading drugstore chain, spoke out in support of rival company dm. The controversy emerged following actions by the Association of Family Entrepreneurs, which temporarily invited AfD representatives to a parliamentary event in Berlin, reversing a previous policy of avoiding contact with the party.
The association's initial decision was met with strong criticism and prompted prominent companies, including Rossmann, to withdraw their membership. The association later reconsidered its stance, acknowledging the mistake of inviting AfD delegates and reaffirming its commitment to distance itself from the party.
In the midst of this debate, dm, another major player in the German retail sector, emphasized that political disagreements should be addressed through substantive discussions rather than exclusion or defamation. This position was communicated while the company faced widespread criticism and negative feedback across social media platforms, with some users accusing dm of aligning with the AfD.
Rossmann's CEO clarified that the withdrawal from the association was not intended to target dm or to question its principles. Instead, he highlighted a history of mutual respect and professional cooperation between the two companies, emphasizing that the relationship is built on long-standing positive interactions. The CEO expressed concern that the situation had been oversimplified in public discourse, framing the issue as a conflict between Rossmann and dm, which he said does not reflect the reality of their business relationship.
Addressing the broader implications, the Rossmann executive reiterated his opposition to the AfD's economic policies, describing them as potentially detrimental to Germany's economic standing. He stressed the importance of maintaining a clear boundary between democratic parties and extremist groups, referencing the collective responsibility of both business leaders and citizens to uphold democratic principles. According to the CEO, this separation is not only a matter of economic interest but also a fundamental aspect of preserving the democratic foundation of the country.
The controversy surrounding the AfD's engagement with the business community has sparked further discussions about how companies should navigate political associations and maintain their values. Both Rossmann and dm have reiterated their commitment to democratic norms and the importance of respectful public debate, distancing themselves from any affiliation with extremist political movements.
The developments highlight the challenges faced by businesses operating in politically charged environments, particularly as public scrutiny increases and stakeholders expect clear positions on issues of democracy and extremism. The incident has prompted industry-wide reflection on the role of corporate responsibility in political discourse and the potential impact of such decisions on brand reputation and stakeholder relationships.