Luigi Pantisano, the leader of Linke, has demanded that Gernot Döllner step down from the management of Audi following a political appearance by the auto chief at a campaign event for US President Donald Trump. In an interview with the T-Online news portal, Pantisano stated unequivocally, “I think it is clear: Audi management board member Gernot Döllner must resign.”
Pantisano strongly criticized Trump’s politics, referring to him as an autocrat who promotes policies benefiting the wealthy and powerful, showing disdain for co-determination and workers’ rights, and whose wars have caused immense suffering. Pantisano argued that a German corporate leader participating in campaign aid for such a figure brought “shame.”
He further criticized the situation, especially in relation to VW, referencing the state of Niedersachsen. Pantisano contended that such behavior must have consequences. He called it a “disgrace to German politics,” asserting that political authorities clearly have no influence over corporate management and instead stand idly by while local jobs are destroyed. Pantisano emphasized that Döllner’s behavior must be addressed, or those who provided the campaign assistance to Trump should also be held accountable.
Separately, the federal government declined to publicly evaluate the auto chief’s appearance. Vice government spokesman Sebastian Hille told the dts news agency on Monday that the government generally does not comment on such corporate decisions.
Döllner had participated in the campaign event in the US state of Georgia alongside Trump. While Trump delivered his usual political agenda, Döllner thanked him for the support and confirmed a multibillion-dollar investment in the United States. This appearance is scrutinized because it is alleged to be a breach of Audi’s internal neutrality rules, which stipulate that the company must not make public appearances with candidates in the three months preceding an election.
