A decision by the German company BMW has triggered political debate in Germany, after the renowned automotive producer withdrew the offer for a formal car supply of the new President of the station's station parliament of Saxon-Anhalt.
According to the German newspaper Die Zeit, which quotes parliamentary administration, the BMW withdrew the Leasing offer on 6 October, the very day the 35-year-old party's alternative politician for Germany ( AfD), Tobias Rausch, was elected president of the regional parliament.
The news has also been reported by Bild, Tagesspiegel and German public television ZDF, drawing attention to relations between large German companies and the AfD party.
BMW does not explain the decision
The Parliament's Administration in Magdeburg has confirmed the withdrawal of the offer, but the company BMW has not provided a concrete reason.
Asked by the newspaper Die Zeit, the company has declared that, as a rule, it does not comment on relations with customers.
However, the decision has attracted attention because of the time it was taken, immediately after the election of AfD's representative to parliament's helm.
According to Tagesspiegel, BMW Executive Director Milan Nedeljković, had earlier criticised right populism and nationalism, calling them harmful to the German economy and its international character.
It has not been officially confirmed whether these positions have influenced the decision to withdraw the offer.
Politicians may remain without official car in November
Tobias Rausch can currently use a 7th series BMW inherited from his predecessor in office, CDU politician Gunnar Schellenberger.
However, according to Handelsblat, the Leasing contract for this vehicle ends in November.
The parliamentary administration must find a replacement, as the parliament president is entitled to an official car with a driver.
According to German reports, there have been no alternative bids from other major producers such as Mercedes-Benz or Audi.
AfD requests Elon Mousk's help
After the news was published, AfD politician Beattrix von Storich reacted to the social network X, raising the possibility that the American company Tesla offered a vehicle to the new parliament president.
According to Berliner Morgenpost, von Storch publicly addressed billionaire Elon Musk, asking whether Tesla would be willing to secure an official vehicle.
Musk, who earlier expressed public support for the AfD, had not given an answer at the time of reporting.
A Decision That Opens Wider Debate
Tobias Rausch is the first politician of AfD taking over a regional parliament in Germany.
His election has prompted discussions on the German political scene, especially on how other parties should co-operate with the AfD, which in Saxon-Anhalt is classified as right extremist by regional constitutional protection authorities.
The BMW case has also brought to the attention a broader question: to what extent can private companies make trade decisions that have political consequences?
At the moment, the new parliament president continues to have his predecessor's car available, while it remains unclear which producer will supply the institution with a new vehicle after the existing contract is completed.
