The article reports campaign finance totals for the current election cycle, noting $2.4M in contributions and $9.32M spent on lobbying. Such significant political spending can increase corporate influence over policy, potentially undermining democratic accountability.

Merck KGaA’s 2023 Annual Report details its comprehensive responsible supply chain strategy, including rigorous supplier risk assessments, compliance with the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, conflict minerals due diligence, and strong labor rights measures such as prohibiting child labor and ensuring fair wages.

Merck KGaA spent $3.2 million on lobbying in 2023 according to OpenSecrets data. This expenditure raises concerns about the company's efforts to influence political processes, potentially reinforcing policies that undermine democratic accountability.

The Merck KGaA Annual Report 2023 details robust corporate governance practices, including transparent disclosure of compliance, internal controls, and oversight mechanisms such as strict approval requirements for board-related consultancy agreements. The report emphasizes fair internal procedures, clear communication with stakeholders, and adherence to ethical business practices.

Merck KGaA published a detailed human rights commitment outlining measures to prevent violations within its own operations and extended supply chain, aligning with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The company emphasizes continuous human rights due diligence as mandated by both statutory requirements (e.g. the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence in Supply Chains) and international conventions.

Merck KGaA updated its sustainability webpage with detailed information on its human rights due diligence measures. The company outlines its commitment to respecting human rights and implementing the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains (LkSG), while also providing channels to report potential violations.

The OpenSecrets profile details Merck KGaA's annual lobbying activities since 1998 and tracks the bills lobbied on in 2022. The profile also includes disclaimers about potential discrepancies in bill numbering due to historical references. This information highlights the company’s ongoing engagement in influencing policy through lobbying efforts.

Merck KGaA has published transparency disclosures detailing its advocacy activities, including the costs associated with lobbying in the European Union and the United States, as well as corporate political contributions to individual candidates where permitted by law. The disclosures also reference the company’s longstanding commitment since October 2009 to broad financial transparency in its interactions with healthcare professionals under initiatives like the Physician Payments Sunshine Act.