Due to allegations of plagiarism: SGV revokes the appointment of Henrique Schneider as director

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Members of the trade association feared loss of image in the election year after allegations against the new director Henrique Schneider (45) became known. He should also explain his closeness to the AfD, it said in a letter to the president of the association at the end of March.

The accusations against the newly elected director of the trade association (SGV), Henrique Schneider, are harsh. According to several media reports, a plagiarism examiner caught him copying — and he wouldn’t have taken it too seriously when it came to his resume. In his publications he adorned himself with academic titles that he did not even hold. Schneider has always denied these allegations.

“Serial plagiarism”

Now there is a legal opinion from the Bartschi law firm, which was commissioned by the board of directors of the trade association. The content does not put Schneider in a good light: after all, he will not be the new director. The Executive Board withdrew its election on Friday because of the report. The report confirms “serial plagiarism”.

«For the SGV, credibility is the greatest asset. That is why, after extensive consultation, the board has decided to take this step,” explains association president Fabio Regazzi (60) according to the press release. In an employment law assessment, the law firm classified the serial plagiarism as clear misconduct and a breach of duty of loyalty. However, this is not serious, since the trade association is not a “scientific trend company”.

With regard to the curriculum vitae submitted with the application as SGV director, the report states that no factually incorrect information could be identified. There can be no question of a refinement, since Schneider, for example, did not even mention his doctorate.

The board saw no other option

The legal advice gave the board of the trade association a lot to talk about. In the end, however, it was clear: “On the one hand, there is Henrique Schneider’s great, convincing track record. He has done a great job at the SGV,” said Regazzi. “On the other hand, it is about the credibility and reputation of the association both internally and externally. The board of the SGV deeply regrets the decision, but considers it necessary because we must not jeopardize the credibility of the SGV.”

Schneider will remain deputy director of the SGV until further notice. The Executive Board will now discuss how to proceed and will look for a successor for director Hans-Ulrich Bigler (65), who will retire on 1 July.

The board now wants to take his successor by the hand again. Since the articles of association do not provide for the cancellation of an election and because of the time pressure, the board alone made the decision and only informed the Chamber of Commerce, the trade parliament proper.

Criticism from the Chamber of Commerce

Alois Gmür (68) is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. The Central National Council is relieved that the trade association is now separating from Henrique Schneider. “It would have been too much of a burden,” he says. Skepticism towards Mr. Schneider from other business associations was very high from the start – “even before the plagiarism reports”.

The trade association now needs a “moderate and diplomatic administrator who respects all the attitudes necessary to form a political opinion. Not a self-promoter». Gmür hopes the new elections will be different from Schneider’s. “As our association stated, the chamber of commerce had elected him without a vote against. This apparent unanimity only came about because there were no opposing candidates. Of course, no one has revealed how many people have abstained from Henrique Schneider. Now you need a choice!” says the brewer.

“Bad Style”

Gmür’s criticism also focuses on the presidency: “The trade association has certainly not gained confidence in the quarrels around Henrique Schneider. But today’s communication does not help either,” said the National Council. “If you wait until late Friday afternoon to send out a press release just before the weekend, and then the trade president is no longer available, that’s bad form. Professional media work looks different’, he chides President Fabio Regazzi (60) – also a center member of the National Council. (dba/pt)

Source:Blick