Right-Wing Activist Elected to Opel Works Council Amid Controversy

The recent works council elections at the Opel facility in Rüsselsheim have raised eyebrows following the election of a known right-wing activist. The Christian Trade Union Metall (CGM), which is affiliated with the conservative political spectrum, is now distancing itself from this development.

In the elections held in mid-March, IG Metall secured nearly 90% of the votes at the Opel headquarters, where the workforce has dwindled to approximately 8,300 employees, down from nearly double that figure prior to 2017. This significant support for IG Metall comes in the context of ongoing challenges in the automotive industry and recent austerity plans by the parent company, Stellantis.

However, the election of Horst Schmitt, a member of the extreme right, has sparked significant concern. Schmitt was elected through the CGM's alliance list, which is closely aligned with the workers' sector of the Union parties. While the CGM claims to represent around 100,000 members, critics contend that the actual numbers may be significantly lower.

Schmitt's candidacy gained traction as the CGM list garnered 10% of the votes, leading to three council seats, with Schmitt positioned favorably at number two on the list. His previous appearances at events organized by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and associations with far-right entities, including the controversial publication "Compact," have been documented. Additionally, he served as a board member of the 'Zentrum' association until late October 2024, which has links to the AfD and presents itself as a union despite lacking tariff capability.

Concerns Over Right-Wing Influence

The Thüringen Office for the Protection of the Constitution had previously warned about the influence of such groups within workplaces, indicating the potential for infiltration. Social researcher Johannes Kiess, who serves as deputy director of the Leipzig-based Else-Frenkel-Brunswik Institute, noted that the CGM should be aware of the neo-Nazi structure of Zentrum and its extensive networking within the right-wing scene.

In light of this situation, the CGM is striving to distance itself from Schmitt's election. A spokesperson emphasized that the values of the CGM are fundamentally opposed to those of Zentrum, asserting that there has never been any collaboration at an organizational level and that none is anticipated in the future. They attributed the oversight to the local CGM group in Rüsselsheim, which enjoys considerable autonomy, stating that by the time the main administration learned of Schmitt's board membership, it was too late to alter the candidate list.

However, sources within the organization suggest that Schmitt's political activities are widely recognized, particularly as this is not his first term in the council. Previous reports have highlighted his right-wing affiliations.

Kiess remarked that the tactic of using alternate lists to gain election access has historical precedent, referencing similar strategies employed by the National Democratic Party (NPD) at the municipal level. He urged that unions should be vigilant against potential subversion.

In response to the recent events, the CGM's main board is taking the matter seriously and is evaluating potential disciplinary measures. They are also considering enhanced training programs to counteract influence attempts by groups like Zentrum.

This incident is not isolated; the CGM previously expelled Oliver Hilburger, a future founder of Zentrum, in 2008 due to his involvement in far-right music groups and organizations. Despite these measures, the issue of right-wing affiliations is not confined to Zentrum alone, as recent analyses indicate that members of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) have increasingly supported the AfD in national elections.