Evonik CEO warns small businesses against cozying up to AfD - Evonik CEO slams German business ties to far-right AfD as 'disastrous'
Christian Kullmann, CEO of chemical giant Evonik, has spoken out against the rising support for the far-right AfD among German businesses. His criticism follows a controversial decision by a leading business association to invite AfD politicians to an event next year. The move triggered backlash and prompted a swift reversal by organisers.
The Association of Family-Owned Businesses initially invited AfD lawmakers to a parliamentary evening in October 2025. The decision led to an immediate outcry, with high-profile members withdrawing their participation. Under pressure, the group admitted the invitation was an error and cancelled it.
Kullmann described the broader trend as alarming. He warned that more voters now favour authoritarian solutions over democratic discussion. In his view, this shift stems from fears of economic decline and social downward mobility.
The Evonik chief called on industry leaders to reject cooperation with the AfD. He labelled the growing alignment with the party a disaster for Germany's reputation. No publicly available data shows any mid-sized company openly backing the AfD since 2023.
Evonik itself remains a major player in the German economy. The company reported €15.2 billion in revenue for 2024 and employs over 30,000 people. Its largest shareholder is the RAG Foundation, which holds nearly 47 percent of the firm.
The controversy highlights tensions between business interests and political values in Germany. Kullmann's intervention signals a clear stance from one of the country's biggest industrial leaders. For now, no formal ties between mid-sized firms and the AfD have been documented since last year.
