Volkswagen Factory Plan Sparks Fresh Opposition

Volkswagen’s revived proposal to produce military equipment at its Osnabruck factory with Israel’s Rafael has triggered renewed opposition in Germany. Critics, including Lower Saxony’s Left Party, oppose replacing civilian production with arms manufacturing and using public funds for the project. The plan resurfaced after Volkswagen faced objections from shareholders, peace groups and labour movements. Reports say parts of the factory could be transferred to Lower Saxony, which may form a joint venture with Rafael for defence production.