"A brown-infested party": With drastic words, the CEO of the German chemical company Evonik warns in an interview about the AfD and its dangerous effects on the country's future. Christian Kullmann appeals to other managers and entrepreneurs to take a stronger stand against the right-wing populist party and to act more decisively.

The AfD is becoming stronger: After the electoral success of right-wing populist Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, Kullmann strongly warns of a similar rise of the AfD in Germany. In an interview with the "Süddeutsche Zeitung," he emphasizes that the party poses a threat to democracy, the rule of law, freedom of speech, and human rights. The economy, society, and future of the country are also endangered by the AfD.

The Evonik CEO calls on other business leaders to engage more against the AfD. In a democracy, everyone is called upon to participate politically, especially managers and entrepreneurs who bear a social responsibility. So far, many entrepreneurs in Germany have remained silent for too long, but there is slowly a growing awareness that the AfD is also dangerous for the economic location.

In nationwide surveys, the AfD recently reached over 20 percent in some cases. The state association Thuringia is already classified as securely right-wing extremist by the Constitutional Protection and now also the state association Saxony-Anhalt. Kullmann and his Essen-based company are setting a precedent against the AfD, as he emphasizes: "For Evonik, for example, this means that no AfD functionaries are received or invited to factory visits." He also suggests joint campaigns with other economic leaders.

Managers should authentically and directly combat right-wing activities in companies, according to Kullman. Although he does not want to express a recommendation for a specific political party, he clearly states: "Björn Höcke is a Nazi! And those who vote for AfD endanger jobs - their own and others."

The Evonik CEO also warns about the risks for foreign investments in Germany and refers to the Weimar Republic, where elites from the economy also helped Adolf Hitler come to power with their silence. It is important to learn from history and not to make the same mistakes. For Kullmann, it is clear: "The AfD poses a serious threat and it is our responsibility to fight against it decisively."