Luigi Pantisano, chairman of the Left party, has sharply criticized the 2030 forward plan, which was approved by the VW supervisory board. Speaking to the Deutsche Redaktionsnetzwerk, he stated, “VW is sacrificing its employees for profit.” He added that this plan “is not a future plan; it is disrespectful to our colleagues.”
The core of his criticism lies in the owners setting a profit target of 9 percent while simultaneously closing plants and laying off tens of thousands of workers. Pantisano described this behavior as greedy and deplorable. He argued that VW does not need to lay anyone off, given that the group holds profit reserves amounting to €155 billion. Instead, he demanded workplace and location guarantees for all employees and an immediate cessation of all dividends paid to shareholders. Furthermore, he stressed the need for significant investment in sustainable products.
Pantisano also expressed concern over the involvement of the SPD, particularly under Lower Saxony’s Minister-President Olaf Lies, in supporting the layoff program. He interpreted this as a sign that “the Social Democrats have abandoned every claim of a workers’ party.” Moreover, he noted that the actions of the IG Metall union were worrisome, having perceived strong criticism toward the plan from them recently.
Coming from his home town of Waiblingen, Pantisano understands the severe consequences for people when a company shuts down, predicting that entire regions would suffer from economic decline. He insists that VW must utilize its money, its employees, and its factories to develop new, sustainable products. “We need trains, e-buses, and affordable electric cars,” Pantisano stated. He concluded by saying that if the company’s leaders truly cared about jobs and future viability, the corporation would need to shift its focus accordingly.
