Günther proposes Saxony's participation in VW

Greens politician Wolfram Günther has raised the possibility of the state of Saxony acquiring a stake in car manufacturer Volkswagen. "If Saxony, like Lower Saxony, had shares in Volkswagen, then we could have a say," Günther told Wirtschaftswoche. The background to this are concerns about the future of VW in Saxony. Günther: "I would like Saxony to have a seat at the table in Wolfsburg." Holding one percent of VW would be a good first step. Higher shares are also conceivable in the future.

Günther considers participation financially feasible

"From a share of one percent, we would lay claim to a seat on the Supervisory Board," emphasized Günther, who was responsible for energy, climate protection, the environment and agriculture in the previous government. The financial means for an investment are available: "One percent of Volkswagen currently costs around half a billion euros. The state undoubtedly has the necessary funds for a stake of this size, especially if the shares are built up gradually."

Günther wants to raise the issue during budget negotiations

"I am in talks with all the key people, from the local chambers of industry and commerce to the state government," Günther was quoted as saying. His party has leverage to persuade the state government to get involved. The CDU-SPD minority government had already needed the Greens this year to pass the double budget. He believes it is possible to put the VW proposal on the table in the upcoming negotiations.

The State Chancellery and the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Dresden did not initially comment on Günther's proposal. On Tuesday, Finance Minister Christian Piwarz (CDU) referred to a gap of around 2.9 billion euros in the upcoming double budget for 2027/2028. The VW works council in Zwickau also did not want to comment on the proposal - it said it was not yet aware of it.