Berlin, December 11 – Kevin Kühnert, the former member of the Bundestag and SPD General Secretary, is set to become a lobbyist for alternative financial policy. The 36-year-old will take over as head of the ‘Taxes, Distribution, and Lobbying’ department at the citizens’ movement Finanzwende, as reported by the German Press Agency (dpa).
Kühnert’s New Mission at Finanzwende
Finanzwende was founded by Gerhard Schick, a former Green Party financial expert in the Bundestag, to serve as a counterweight to the influential financial lobby. Kühnert has consistently advocated for far-reaching reforms and has sparked debates about a revival of socialist ideas.
“Finanzwende is well on its way to becoming an effective counterweight to the financial lobby – and I want to actively contribute to the success of this mammoth project,” Kühnert stated. The former head of the SPD youth wing and later a top party official highlighted the inequality in financial resources, noting that it also shifts political power.
Addressing Inequality and Misuse of Wealth
Kühnert emphasized the broader implications of financial disparities. “Extreme inequality not only curtails life opportunities. It also increasingly distorts debates in media and politics.” He added, “Wealth is increasingly openly misused as an instrument of power worldwide.” Kühnert expressed his commitment to combating this danger, praising the strength and non-partisanship of his new employer, which is based in a lively district of Berlin’s Schöneberg area.
Finanzwende is a non-partisan association with over 17,000 members, dedicated to creating more stable, fair, and sustainable financial markets. Gerhard Schick, the organization’s founder, welcomed Kühnert’s decision enthusiastically. Schick himself was once a political hope for his party and a significant Green voice in parliament before stepping away from daily political affairs.
A Growing Movement with Diverse Minds
“When I founded Finanzwende, I wouldn’t necessarily have expected a former SPD General Secretary to work here – alongside a former chief public prosecutor like Anne Brorhilker and many other dedicated people,” Schick remarked. He noted that the movement is getting closer to building a diverse citizens’ movement, with Kühnert’s position being one of 15 new roles within the association. Anne Brorhilker, the former chief public prosecutor from Cologne, joined Finanzwende in 2024.
Kühnert served as Deputy Party Leader of the SPD from 2019 to 2021 and as General Secretary from 2021 until his resignation in autumn 2024. He won his direct mandate in the Berlin Bundestag constituency in 2021 but did not run in the 2025 federal election. Kühnert explained his surprising withdrawal in April in ‘Die Zeit,’ citing physical attacks and threats, including from neo-Nazis and COVID-19 deniers.
This move marks a significant step for Kühnert as he transitions from direct party politics to a more focused advocacy role, aiming to influence financial policy from a non-governmental perspective. His experience and previous calls for reform align with Finanzwende’s mission to challenge established financial interests and promote a more equitable economic system.
The organization’s growing team, including figures like Brorhilker, underscores its commitment to bringing together diverse expertise to tackle complex financial issues. Kühnert’s appointment is expected to bolster Finanzwende’s efforts in advocating for policies that address wealth inequality and ensure financial markets serve the broader public interest.
Finanzwende’s location in Berlin’s Schöneberg district positions it within a dynamic urban environment, facilitating engagement with political and social stakeholders. The organization’s over 17,000 members provide a strong base for its advocacy work, enabling it to amplify its voice in debates surrounding financial regulation and social justice.
Kühnert’s previous political roles and his direct experience with public threats highlight the challenges faced by individuals advocating for significant societal change. His decision to join Finanzwende reflects a continued dedication to these issues, albeit through a different platform. The focus on tax policy, distribution, and lobbying within Finanzwende’s framework will allow Kühnert to apply his insights and influence to specific areas of financial reform.
The collaboration between former political figures from different parties, such as Kühnert (SPD) and Schick (Greens), along with legal experts like Brorhilker, demonstrates a concerted effort to build a broad-based movement for financial reform. This multi-faceted approach aims to create a more resilient and equitable financial system for all.
Source: https://www.news.de/politik/859183135/neuer-job-fuer-ex-spd-fuehrungsmann-kevin-kuehnert-berlin-news-der-dpa-aktuell-zu-spd-gruenen-und-leuten/1/
