Companies fight back (in Germany and here)

The business world tends to practice discretion in political terms in order to maintain a certain neutrality that does not harm its interests. But we are immersed in uncertain times and some companies are beginning to speak out in defense of the values that have seen them born and grow, the founding values of European democracy.

"We have reached a critical point: it is time to act." This proclamation, which one might assume comes from a social activist, comes from the president of the German company Siemens, Roland Busch. These are rather strange words coming from the mouth of a big businessman, but today no one can remain indifferent.

The German elections have set off alarm bells. The disturbing shadow of a rising far right is looming, capable of shaking the foundations of a country that has struggled for decades to preserve its democracy, recalling its terrible history. It is not surprising, then, that the great titans of industry – the presidents of Siemens, Mercedes and Deutsche Bank – have raised their voices with a blunt warning.

They warn of the danger of a vote of rage, of a visceral impulse that, instead of correcting the course, could sink the nation into waters of division and xenophobia. They know that the price to pay is not only economic, but also ethical: the future of Germany is at stake. And in this bold gesture, in this appeal to reason, they openly challenge powerful figures such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump, who fuel the fire of the far right throughout Europe.

This is not the first time they have done so. In May 2024, in the midst of the campaign for the European elections, they created an alliance called We Defend Values together with 30 large German business consortiums to avoid falling into extreme positions. Moving forward economically does not mean going backwards in terms of values, they argue. They are concerned about social and political polarisation, beyond immigration, although it is obvious that the arrival of foreigners is essential for them.

This valuable gesture demonstrates the fundamental role that business can play in the society in which it is part. Far from being isolated entities that seek only their own benefit, companies are made up of people who think, feel and live together in a community with shared concerns, needs and aspirations. They share their concerns and celebrate their successes. That is why it is so significant that they dare to raise their voices in defence of values and democracy.

A few months ago I had the opportunity to speak before an auditorium full of people from the economic sector in a session organised by the Business Union of Anoia. They were exploring the possibilities of implementing new leadership in their organisations, new formulas that would improve them. It takes courage to approach areas in which the distribution of power is worked on, instead of not accumulating it in a single hand, as some already practice with co-leadership. And it is no coincidence that women were the protagonists of the session with the UEA Inquieta group, as standard-bearers of the defence of management by values.

The reason is that wealth generation must always be linked to strengthening social cohesion, in the words of Xavier Panés, president of CECOT. This organization has recently joined, along with many others, the Manifesto for an economy with purpose, which recognises the importance of companies in generating a positive impact on society, beyond economic benefits. These values are also what drove PIMEC to found the first business entity for social action in Europe, from which they develop programmes for second chances, against ageism or in favour of the presence of women in the economic world.

In a business landscape like ours, where the network of self-employed workers, micro-enterprises and SMEs predominates, it is essential to listen to voices that defend social responsibility from conviction, and not as a window-dressing policy. Companies that believe in the co-responsibility of socio-economic development but also in the care of people and the planet.

In the face of fear, the preferred tool of authoritarianism, the best defense mechanism is to confront it. This is what some companies and much of civil society are doing. The echo of their voices resonates in the turbulent political landscape, a clear warning to anyone who wants to listen: history has taught enough lessons so that no one can say they did not know the consequences. We stand up.