For a long time, as head of Juso, Kühnert drove parts of the SPD before him. Now, as Secretary General, he has to defend the party line. In this role, he wants to wrest concessions from his coalition partner in social policy - and is reminded of his earlier appearances.
With attacks on Federal Minister of Finance Christian Lindner, SPD General Secretary Kevin Kühnert caused a stir at the Federal Congress in Oberhausen. The former Juso boss asked the FDP boss, among other things, to use those on higher incomes to deal with the crisis. If the income tax system is tackled in order to achieve a little more leeway for the smallest incomes through a different income tax rate, there will also be large-scale relief for those on high incomes, said Kühnert in his speech. In return for "more points at the top tax rate or at the wealthy tax in Germany" he offers an extension of the basic tax-free allowance beyond an agreed amount.
At the same time, however, Kühnert was also held responsible in his new role by the young SPD. Munich Juso boss Benedict Lang said that as Juso chairman, Kühnert was a beacon of hope for many young people with regard to a vision and perspective for a better world. As SPD general secretary in Berlin, he now bears responsibility and must "continue to deliver for this vision".
The Jusos condemned the Russian war of aggression, expressed their solidarity with the people of Ukraine and also supported the delivery of arms to the invaded country. In view of the high energy and food costs, Juso Federal Chairwoman Jessica Rosenthal called for a one-time direct payment of 300 euros for families. This will help people who are particularly affected by poverty.
The Jusos also positioned themselves clearly against the right. Several motions on this subject were accepted by the approximately 300 delegates. The Jusos are an anti-fascist and anti-racist organization, emphasized several speakers on the second day of the party congress. It was decided to launch a campaign to "fight the right wing" and to support the individual national associations in their efforts.
SPD co-leader Saskia Esken had already reiterated her demand for a wealth tax for the rich in view of the energy crisis as a guest the day before. Cohesion in Germany is seriously threatened by inflation and the predicted recession, she said. The solution to this can only be an effective state that relieves the burden on citizens and at the same time gets to the root of the problem of high prices.
The three-day meeting under the motto "Solidarity. Come what may" ends on Sunday. Then Lars Klingbeil (11:00 a.m.), the second co-chairman of the SPD, is expected.
