Rheinmetall's Monopoly Power: State Dependence on Arms Giant

Rheinmetall is transforming from a mid-sized industrial firm into a dominant arms monopoly, making the German state increasingly dependent on it. In mid-July, around 1,800 protesters demonstrated outside the Rheinmetall plant in Berlin-Wedding against this shift, joined by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The protest, organized by the alliance 'Rheinmetall entwaffnen,' marked the peak of a multi-day action and highlighted the company's fundamental change. Once focused on civilian products like auto parts, Rheinmetall now aims to cover nearly the entire spectrum of conventional warfare. Competition authorities warn of a dangerous dependency as the state funnels billions into the Düsseldorf-based conglomerate.