SPD's Klingbeil to lead Germany’s Finance Ministry in new coalition government

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has announced that Lars Klingbeil will take on the roles of Germany's next finance minister and vice chancellor in the incoming centrist coalition government, replacing Joerg Kukies.

The announcement was made during a press conference onApril 30, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Matthias Miersch, the SPD’s general secretary, confirmed that “the committee today firstly tasked Lars Klingbeil with taking on the vice-chancellorship and to enter the new government as federal finance minister.”

Klingbeil, 47, a seasoned SPD veteran, will also be responsible for organizing the SPD’s remaining team to serve under the new coalition by early next week, Miersch added.

Although Klingbeil does not have extensive experience in fiscal policy, his political career has been marked by leadership roles within the SPD. Since 2021, he has co-led the party and, in early 2025, was elected as the head of the SPD parliamentary faction. He also served as the SPD's general secretary for several years. Prior to his leadership roles, Klingbeil worked in constituency offices for various members of parliament, including former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. Additionally, he was a deputy leader of the SPD’s youth organization and held multiple regional political positions.

Klingbeil is widely seen as part of the SPD’s more conservative wing, advocating for an increase in the minimum wage and reforms to Germany's pension system in recent interviews. He has also expressed support for higher taxes as a potential policy option and emphasized the need to strengthen Germany’s military and modernize its infrastructure. Furthermore, he has been critical of US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.

Outside of politics, Klingbeil is known for his passion for music, particularly as a guitar player in rock bands, and he serves on the advisory board of FC Bayern Munich.

By Vafa Guliyeva