The head of Rheinmetall encourages Scholz to take office
Rheinmetall CEO Papperger would welcome the Federal Republic as an shareholder of the company. Just a few years ago, "we were rather avoided," he said in an interview with RTL/ntv. But then came the "turnaround" initiated by Chancellor Scholz.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger can imagine the Federal Republic of Germany as a shareholder of the defense company. He would be happy about it, he said in a conversation with RTL/ntv - "that would certainly be stabilizing for the stock."
According to the "Handelsblatt", Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius are considering state stakes in defense companies. This is what it says in a draft for a security and defense industry strategy. Among other things, it should be recorded that the Federal Republic can directly participate in companies or projects in the defense sector in "strategic cases".
Just a few years ago, "we were rather avoided, they didn't want to go on camera with us," said Papperger, looking at politics. But they have taken a big step. "The Chancellor and the Federal Government have initiated the turnaround. And that also means that one has to deal differently with those who equip our Bundeswehr," said the manager.
When asked if the suffering of people was the key to Rheinmetall's success, Papperger said, looking at Ukraine: "You can see that suffering. It's terrible when you're attacked and can't defend yourself. We have to help people to be able to defend themselves."
That he makes business with weapons, he has never made a secret of it to his daughters. "They knew from the very first day what I do, from the very first day. And my girls are cool." His family can handle the threats against him well. "I'm lucky to have a very steadfast family, and I've been doing this job for 35 years," said Papperger. There have been threats against him and arson attacks. He thanked the Federal Republic and the state of NRW for the protection he receives: "I have great bodyguards, and I'm grateful for what these guys do."
The potential investment of the Federal Republic in Rheinmetall as a shareholder, as mentioned by CEO Armin Papperger, could provide stability for the company's stock.
The current consideration of state stakes in defense companies by Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, as reported by 'Handelsblatt', opens up opportunities for direct participation by the Federal Republic in strategic defense sector projects.
