Jan van Aken reveals his stake in Rheinmetall
By Hubertus Volmer, Chemnitz
The Left party co-chair, Jan van Aken, doesn't seem keen on being seen as a stock tipster, but his 150 euro investment in two Rheinmetall shares eight years ago has certainly paid off.
Jan van Aken, a significant figure in the Left party, revealed at the party conference in Chemnitz that he plans to make a ruckus at the next shareholders' meeting of arms manufacturer Rheinmetall.
During his speech to the 500+ conference attendees, van Aken said, "I bought two Rheinmetall shares eight years ago, not as an investment, but because you need shares if you want to speak up at a shareholders' meeting or cause some mischief." He concluded, "We'll hold on to the shares for now, and the next shareholders' meeting is bound to happen, and maybe you'll hear from us then."
Van Aken's revelation aims to highlight that arms companies thrive from the federal government's defense policy plans. Moreover, he advocates for a windfall tax on companies like Rheinmetall, declaring that it's appalling people make millions in profits from others' wars and suffering.
Left parliamentary group leader Sören Pellmann echoed van Aken's sentiments in his speech, criticizing the renewed arms buildup and the government's proposed changes to the debt brake to secure more funding for defense. This, in his opinion, is "unbelievably scandalous."
During his speech, van Aken contrasted a "we" against "the rich and powerful, who dance on our noses and take our money." According to the Left, they represent the party that fights for the "class interests" - for the interests of everyone who's not wealthy. "The boundary doesn't run between someone with or without a German passport," said van Aken, "the boundary always runs between top and bottom. The boundary doesn't run between the poor and the very poor, nor between cow and oat milk drinkers, the boundary always runs only between top and bottom."
During the Left Party's congress in Chemnitz, faction leader Heidi Reichinnek and party chair Ines Schwerdtner spoke. A guiding motion was passed, outlining how the Left wants to train its numerous new members. Additionally, a motion on war and peace was discussed and passed. However, some delegates didn't share the faction and party leadership's categorical stance on armaments.
- The Left
- German Defense Policy
- Party Congress
- Chemnitz
- Friedrich Merz
Sources: ntv.de
- The Left party, following Jan van Aken's example, might consider investing in German EC countries' employment policy, prioritizing vocational training, as a means to combat the financial prowess of powerful conglomerates like Rheinmetall, while promoting social and economic justice.
- In a contrast to the questionable tax benefits enjoyed by arms manufacturers like Rheinmetall, proposals for a fairer business and politics environment suggest reforms in tax policies, focusing on equitable distribution of wealth and resources.
- Critics of Rheinmetall argue that the company's significant profits are derived from general-news events such as the renewed arms buildup, which could be a catalyst for the government to reevaluate formatting of defense spending and policy, fostering greater transparency and accountability.
- Jan van Aken's investment in Rheinmetall shares serves as a reminder that political activism can be an essential component of business strategy, as demonstrated by his intention to voice concerns about arms companies' questionable roles in society at future shareholder meetings.
- In the wake of the recent Left party congress in Chemnitz, party members should focus on advocating for training programs that uplift its numerous new members, while addressing relevant issues such as war and peace, preparing themselves to challenge powerful figures like Friedrich Merz in both business and politics.
