Jochen Hanebeck, CEO, Infineon Technologies AG. Source: Infineon
By Bolaji Ojo
Jochen Hanebeck wrote the LinkedIn post in German, his native language. But he was speaking to a world of multiple languages, convictions and directions. What he wrote this week may be his most important and decisive comments on the role of Germany and Europe in a world shocked into silence by advocates of the kind of political beliefs and actions we hoped to never see again.
Hanebeck is the CEO of Infineon Technologies AG, one of Europe’s biggest semiconductor manufacturers. German enterprises are not known for loudly proclaiming their political convictions. They show their advocacy quietly with actions that support environmental protection and typically stay out of politics.
This time, Hanebeck, without mentioning names, decided that he must do something different. He took a principled stand on issues related to democracy, immigration, and human values. His posting is worth reading repeatedly and reposting, globally.
What he said may be interpreted in many ways, but the content is coming at the right time to address a world in the suffocating grip of bigotry, divisionism, subtle anti-democracy actions and overt racism.
Immigrant bashing is in vogue, globally. The concepts of tolerance, multiculturism, diversity, equity and economic balance as well as democracy are being threatened globally, especially in countries that once led in such areas. Hanebeck would have none of that. His position contrasts sharply with those of many of America’s technology leaders who are groveling at the feet of political leaders whose odious actions and views would throw us back into a gloomy past where fundamental human rights are disappointingly sacrificed to the personal whims of beneficiaries of racial, religious and economic discriminations.
The German semiconductor industry veteran isn’t making a case for changing the world without first changing his base, though. Germany and Europe, he says, must lead and assert the relevance and supremacy of the human rights values that the continent has advocated since the end of the Second World War. Hanebeck’s post made something clear: Silence, in the face of immigrant bashing and intolerance of anyone different, is complicity in the act.
The world – and business leaders must not be quiet. In fact, they must take a public stance and be held accountable for their positions. Hence his posting.
At the Ojo-Yoshida Report, we do not know why Hanebeck felt it necessary to write such a message. His position is tenuous if tyrants in power turn against him. However, his action, notwithstanding any negative repercussions for him and Infineon Technologies, has our absolute support. We want to be among the enterprises who spoke up and stood by what we believe at a time that political leaders, especially in the United States, are assailing the values of democracy, fairness and justice that we so much cherish.
Europe is lagging in innovation. Hanebeck would have none of that. He is driving Infineon to be a better innovator and a global company with manufacturing footprints all over the world. In addition to having production facilities in Asia and Europe, a visit to Infineon’s headquarters in Munich will convince you that it is truly a global enterprise that has drawn employees from far and near. But that’s not enough, he notes. Social challenges must not be relegated to the background, he insists.
Infineon is a company that lives what its leaders preach. This is why we fully endorse Hanebeck’s call to maintain the lights of democracy, advances in innovation and the rights to political asylum for people in distress. He called this a “fundamental human right.” We concur.
The translated message from Hanebeck is below:
By Jochen Hanebeck, CEO, Infineon Technologies AG
Germany and Europe – these two terms describe more than just geography. They stand for a special idea of living together. For cosmopolitanism, diversity, tolerance. For freedom, equality, the rule of law. For democracy. As CEO of a German company and as a convinced European, these values are non-negotiable for me.
Our society is facing complex challenges to which there are no easy answers.
This can be seen, for example, in the issue of immigration: As a society, we must consistently apply the current right of residence, especially with regard to criminals and those who pose a threat. At the same time, diversity is and remains an enrichment for our country. Without the commitment of people with a migrant background, Germany could not and cannot maintain its prosperity. The right to asylum must remain a fundamental right.
It is important that decision-makers in politics and business take a stand on such central social and economic issues: We deal with complicated issues on a daily basis, so it is up to us to develop good solutions and communicate them even better than before. Transformation needs discourse.
In doing so, we must not shy away from clear analyses and consistent steps, even if they are difficult or painful. This is especially true with regard to the transformation of our economy. In order to survive in a global comparison and maintain prosperity, it is also necessary to abandon outdated structures when they are no longer competitive and to build new ones.
Of course, less bureaucracy and lower electricity costs are needed. But that’s not enough. If we want to be at the forefront in the long term, Germany must once again be a leader, especially in innovation. Our aim must be to develop and produce the best products in the world. In a sustainable way and without giving up our values for it.
As a high-tech company, we will be happy to contribute our ideas to create the necessary framework conditions and solve concrete problems – in Germany and beyond.
I am convinced that Europe is a continent of opportunities. We have a strong and diverse culture, a highly skilled population and a powerful economy. Let’s use these strengths to actively shape our future. Together for democracy – against populism.
To read Hanebeck’s message and follow him, click here
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Bolaji Ojo is publisher and managing editor of the Ojo-Yoshida Report. He can be reached at [email protected].
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