Fressnapf founder Torsten Töller criticizes the decline in performance and the high welfare state in Germany

He is one of the wealthiest Germans: Torsten Töller, founder and majority owner of the pet supply chain Fressnapf. As such, the entrepreneur (born in 1966) has his own view of the economic problems and general dissatisfaction in Germany. “I think you can’t just blame it on politics,” he said in an interview with the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” (SZ). "Our problem is the rejection of the idea of ​​achievement. Many people believe in the fairy tale of effortless prosperity."

The young generation in particular, with its many heirs, “no longer has to fight for prosperity,” said Töller. In Germany, “the incentives to work are too low, also because the social benefits are too high.” People with a migrant background, on the other hand, who mainly work in the Fressnapf logistics center in Krefeld, are "our backbone: hard-working, reliable, full of ambition to build something for themselves. Many Germans lack this hunger."

In the interview, Töller also provides personal insights. “Wealth in itself doesn’t give you meaning in life,” he told the “SZ”. "Too little money is bad, too much also causes problems. Money makes useful things possible. But accumulating wealth doesn't make you happy." That's why he never flies first class, but "always economy, except on overseas flights." He passes on upgrades. "And I don't fly business within Europe. I don't see any added value there."