Jan van Aken discusses his stake in Rheinmetall
Title: "Left Party Co-Chair Jan van Aken's Profitable 'Mischief' at Rheinmetall Shareholders' Meeting"
By Hubertus Volmer, Chemnitz
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In an unexpected move, Jan van Aken, the co-chair of the Left party, announced at their conference in Chemnitz that he plans to cause a stir at the next shareholders' meeting for arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. Van Aken shared his story of owning two Rheinmetall shares for eight years, emphasizing that this was no investment, but rather a method for voicing concerns at such meetings.
"You need shares if you have smart things to say or want to raise a bit of ruckus," van Aken stated, suggesting that these shares would be used to make a statement, not to profit. He shared that they would hold onto the shares for now, implying that we could expect to hear more from him and his party during the upcoming shareholders' meeting.
Van Aken decided to share his share buying story to illustrate the financial benefits arms companies receive from government defense policies. He also called for a windfall tax, proclaiming his shock after finding out that the humble investment of 180 euros had yielded a profit of 3,200 euros. "It's repulsive to see people reap millions in profits from other people's wars and suffering," he stated, underscoring his belief that such companies should pay a windfall tax.
In a similar vein, Sören Pellmann, the Left party's parliamentary group leader, criticized the recent constitutional amendment to the debt brake and called it an outrageous arms race. He maintained that his faction had been this parliament's bulwark against arms buildup and militarization. Van Aken accused the coalition government of prioritizing military spending over social security, finding it scandalous that they would reform the debt brake to free up more money for defense while simultaneously announcing cuts in the social sector.
Van Aken repeatedly differentiated between "us" and "the rich and powerful, who dance on our noses and take our money away." This rhetoric mirrors the Left party's new self-perception as a party that advocates for class interests, representing "the many who are not rich." According to van Aken, the divide does not lie between individuals based on nationality, but rather between the wealthy and the less fortunate.
Interestingly, during the party congress, it became apparent that a small yet vocal minority of delegates do not fully align with the Left's hardline stance on arms buildup. A delegate from Hesse criticized portions of the party for clinging to insular beliefs that seem increasingly out of touch with reality, particularly in discussions about war and peace. This delegate noted that the repeated calls for rearmament are rooted in the ongoing Russian attack on Ukraine.
However, this opinion is contrary to the resolution passed by the delegates, which denounces such concerns as hysterical fear-mongering aimed at justifying massive rearmament. The same resolution suggests that the so-called struggle between autocracy and democracy is merely a pretext to persuade the public of the necessity for extreme rearmament measures.
- The Left party, led by Jan van Aken, is planning to voice concerns about employment policy at the next shareholders' meeting of arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, highlighting the profit they've gained from government defense policies.
- Van Aken wants to propose a windfall tax on arms companies, arguing that millions in profits are made from war-and-conflicts and suffering, and believes they should contribute more to the employment sector through vocational training.
- Sören Pellmann, the Left party's parliamentary group leader, criticized the recent constitutional amendment to the debt brake, calling it a promotion of an arms race and a danger to society and security.
- Van Aken accused the coalition government of prioritizing military spending over social security, suggesting a divide not between countries, but between the wealthy and the less fortunate.
- Despite a minority of delegates questioning the party's hardline stance on arms buildup, particularly in light of the ongoing Russian attack on Ukraine, the Left party remains committed to its resolution denouncing calls for rearmament as fear-mongering, aimed at justifying extreme measures.
