Osnabrück VW Plant Slated for Arms Production as Ex-Works Councilor Speaks Out

A former Volkswagen works councilor has sharply criticized plans to convert the long-established VW site in Osnabrück into a production facility for the defense industry. Stephan Krull, who spent years at the plant, describes the move as a political decision in favor of military production and against civilian alternatives. In an interview, he takes aim at the role of the state of Lower Saxony and at the position of the IG Metall union. The planned conversion involves a financial investor, an Israeli corporation, and the state of Lower Saxony, which together intend to manufacture war equipment at the site. Krull warns of consequences for the workforce and for Osnabrück's self-image as a city of peace. He also addresses what Qatar has to do with the plan and whether it can still be stopped. Krull, now retired, says he is glad not to be working at Volkswagen anymore, though he remains close to many former colleagues.