Germany news: Union slams Audi CEO for joining Trump at campaign rally, while Chancellor Merz and President Steinmeier embark on separate Asia tours

Döllner's appearance at the rally in Georgia on Saturday has sparked significant controversy in Germany. Trump announced plans for a new $4 billion (€3.4 billion) Audi factory in the state during the event, with Döllner standing alongside him on stage.

Union criticism

Germany's powerful IG Metall union has sharply criticized Döllner's participation. Union chief Christiane Benner called the appearance "deeply embarrassing, politically unacceptable" and unworthy of Audi and its employees.

Benner accused Döllner of breaching Audi's political neutrality rules. The company's code of conduct, published in April and signed by Döllner, bars public appearances with parties or politicians standing for election during the three months before a vote.

The planned Georgia factory would produce around 200,000 vehicles annually, mainly large SUVs. Benner stressed that the project still required approval, with the final decision "rightly and importantly" resting with Volkswagen's supervisory board.

Asian diplomatic missions

While Audi's CEO faces backlash at home, Germany's two most senior political figures are on separate Asian tours to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting Singapore, Japan and South Korea on his longest overseas trip since taking office, accompanied by a high-level business delegation. He aims to broaden Germany's partnerships and reduce dependence on individual countries.

In Singapore, Merz will hold political talks and deliver a major foreign policy speech before traveling to Japan. In South Korea, he will attend an Asia-Pacific business conference and visit the demilitarized zone.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is making his second state visit to China, pressing for fairer trade relations and action to address economic imbalances. He will speak at Peking University and meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

Steinmeier also wants China to take greater international responsibility, including using its close ties with Moscow to help end Russia's war against Ukraine.