News War
Tönnies also distances himself from 'friend' Putin
Like many companies, the German meat concern Tönnies strongly disapproves of the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, it is less obvious that owner Clemens Tönnies does this. In the past, he maintained close ties with Vladimir Putin, even calling the Russian leader a personal friend.
The relationship between Tönnies and Putin was cemented in 2006 at Schalke 04, the German food ball club chaired by the Cutlet King of Germany between 2001 and 2020. In 2006, Tönnies managed to secure the Russian state-owned company Gazprom as the main sponsor. He then called the Russians the best partner you could wish for, if you ignore political matters. When the deal became official, Tönnies and Putin jointly the blue shirt of the club from Gelsenkirchen in the air. The two remained close in the years that followed.
The day after the Russian invasion, the German media were eager to ask Tönnies for a reaction to the war. Initially, he declined to comment. On Tuesday 1 March, Tönnies indicated that he was bewildered by the raid. He speaks of a war of extermination which he condemns in the strongest possible terms.
Get out of Russia
A few years ago, Tönnies had big plans in Russia, in 2017 the plans were unveiled to build the largest slaughterhouse in the country. These plans were never realized, Tönnies withdrew from the country in 2021. Tönnies calls the fact that Schalke 04 stopped the sponsorship contract with Gazprom a few days ago.
Wouter Job
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