Volkswagen's chief, Thomas Schäfer, announced that the carmaker will accelerate its cost-cutting program as workers protest for job security. This announcement came during a staff meeting at the company's main plant in Wolfsburg on Monday, September 22, 2026. Schäfer stated, "We have absolutely no time to lose and will therefore significantly ramp up our performance program once again."
Currently, around 16,300 redundancies have been finalized in Germany, with a total of just under 28,800 agreed upon by 2030, nearing the target of 35,000. He described this as "good progress," but cautioned that it is insufficient. Earlier in September, Volkswagen indicated plans to cut a total of 100,000 jobs worldwide by the end of the decade.
The automotive industry in Germany is facing challenges from increasing competition from China, high energy prices, US tariffs, and declining domestic demand.
In related news, the Israeli ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, expressed concerns regarding the recent electoral success of the Left Party in Berlin, stating it poses a "direct existential danger" to the Jewish community in the city. Prosor highlighted the rise of antisemitism within the party, which he believes has gained political momentum.
Elif Eralp, the Left's leading candidate for the governing mayor of Berlin, responded by stating that antisemitism exists in society at large, not just within her party, and emphasized her party's commitment to protecting Jewish life.
Additionally, the Ruhr city of Essen is hosting a new defense industry trade fair, Eudex, featuring 350 exhibitors from 28 countries, reflecting the current security challenges facing Europe.