Martin Menz, the founder and CEO of the online retailer Relaxdays, has expressed significant concerns regarding the ability to attract international talent due to the current political climate in Saxony-Anhalt. According to Menz, who made the comments to the “Handelsblatt”, the political situation worries him about the company’s future. Many crucial tasks at Relaxdays are handled by international colleagues, including key performers whose contributions are essential to the company’s success.
The e-commerce company, based in Halle (Saale), employs approximately 400 people, 130 of whom come from diverse international backgrounds. “We stand for diversity, and that will remain the case,” Menz stated.
The region is currently focused on the upcoming state election scheduled for September 6th. In polling, the AfD is leading the race, despite its regional branch having been classified by the Constitutional Protection Agency as safely right-extremist.
Menz described the climate as tense. The approaching election has prompted him to seriously consider the current state of Saxony-Anhalt, whether his company culture can align itself with the prevailing atmosphere, and what the company’s trajectory will be post-election. In discussions with other entrepreneurs, he has observed that many business owners are feeling unsettled. Menz confessed that “I frankly do not know a single entrepreneur who votes for the AfD,” though he also noted that he misses a “positive vision” from politicians across other parties.
