German Drugstore CEOs Werner and Roßmann Address Political Engagement with AfD

Christoph Werner, CEO of drugstore chain dm, has come under fire and faced online boycott calls after clarifying his position on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Werner supports inviting parliamentarians from all Bundestag-represented parties, including the AfD, to a Parliamentary Evening. He stressed that political leaders should focus on citizens' concerns and offer effective solutions rather than dwelling on party conflicts. This stance, expressed in a recent Süddeutsche Zeitung interview, sparked debate given the growing political sensitivity surrounding the AfD.

Separately, Raoul Roßmann, the current leader of Rossmann, another major German drugstore chain, is known for openly voicing his views on business and social matters. His father Dirk Roßmann, while appearing less in public discussions, is engaged in writing a political and climate thriller series titled "Oktopus," published by Bastei-Lübbe-Verlag, where he owns major shares.

This cluster of corporate leaders’ responses highlights the evolving stance within Germany's retail sector regarding political engagement, particularly with parties like the AfD. Werner’s approach reflects an inclusive parliamentary dialogue perspective, whereas Roßmann’s family maintains an active engagement with socio-political discussions through literary work, showing differentiated yet significant interaction with political discourse in Germany.