Joe Kaeser slams Germany's coalition as 'mediocre' and warns of AfD's rise
Former Siemens CEO Joe Kaeser has criticised Germany’s black-red coalition after its first year in power. He described its performance as disappointing—comparable to a mediocre school report. Now, he is urging Chancellor Friedrich Merz to consider a minority government as the last viable option before the far-right AfD gains further ground. Kaeser made his position clear in recent statements, arguing that success should be judged by results, not just effort. He expressed greater fear over the coalition’s continued underperformance than its potential collapse.
The former executive also rejected the idea of a 'firewall' against the AfD, calling the term both misleading and deeply troubling. For him, the word 'fire' evokes memories of Kristallnacht, while 'wall' recalls Germany’s painful division. He warned that excluding nearly a quarter of eligible voters—those who support the AfD—would be a dangerous mistake. Instead, Kaeser proposed a minority government as a way to force democratic parties to regroup. He framed it as the final chance to prevent an AfD majority, urging political leaders to act before the situation worsens.
Kaeser’s warnings highlight growing frustration with the current coalition’s direction. His call for a minority government reflects concerns over the AfD’s rising influence. The debate now centres on whether democratic forces can unite before the next election.
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