Business · Companies · 9 hrs ago
Niedersachsen CDU leader suggests temporarily giving up Volkswagen dividends
Sebastian Lechner proposed that Niedersachsen give up its Volkswagen dividend temporarily as part of a plan to support the carmaker.
He made the suggestion at a small CDU party meeting in Hannover.
Niedersachsen holds 20% of Volkswagen’s voting rights, making it a major shareholder.
Lechner said other large shareholders could also forgo payouts, and urged Volkswagen’s board to set an example on bonuses.
He called for a joint effort to secure the company’s future and local factories, with unions and employers also contributing.
The aim is to make costs competitive while keeping the plants open.
Volkswagen shareholders approved a €5.20 dividend per ordinary share for 2025; the story does not say whether Niedersachsen will give up its share.
Sebastian Lechner, leader of the CDU in Lower Saxony, suggested the state temporarily give up its Volkswagen dividend.
He said other major shareholders could also forgo a payout.
Lechner urged Volkswagen’s management to set an example on bonuses and called for a joint effort to protect the company’s future and its sites in Lower Saxony.
He said the goal should be competitive costs while preserving the plants.
Lower Saxony holds 20% of Volkswagen’s voting rights.
- Who
- Sebastian Lechner, leader of the CDU in Lower Saxony, made the proposal.
- What
- He suggested the state temporarily give up its Volkswagen dividend. He also said other major shareholders could forgo a payout and urged Volkswagen’s management to act on bonuses.
- When
- At a small CDU party conference; the date of the conference is not stated.
- Where
- Hanover, Germany.
- Why
- To help secure Volkswagen’s future and preserve its sites in Lower Saxony while achieving competitive costs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lechner suggested that Lower Saxony temporarily give up its Volkswagen dividend.
Lechner was unanimously chosen as the CDU’s lead candidate for next year’s state election.
- Lower Saxony’s voting rights
- 20% of Volkswagen’s voting rights
- Volkswagen dividend
- €5.20 per ordinary share for fiscal year 2025
- Lechner’s age
- 45
- Location
- Hanover, Germany
What people are saying
There needs to be a joint effort. Everyone must contribute.