At 47, this political scientist without economic luggage inherits the heavy task of piloting an ambitious plan of rearmament and modernization at several hundred billions of euros, by softening the budgetary rules. Germany greatly needs it. A strong man of the SPD since 2021, Klingbeil leads both the party and now his parliamentary group, despite the historically low score of the Social Democrats (16.4 %) in the February legislative elections. About Merz, he said recently: “Neither he nor I plan to become friends. This is not the goal.” He advocates a collaboration based on common responsibility. MP since 2009, Klingbeil has sat on the Defense Commission and also specialized in digital technology, a domain where his wife also evolves. Coming from the centrist wing of the SPD, it is distinguished by its discretion and its sober style, close to that of Olaf Scholz, former chancellor (since 2021).
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In 2014, he survived language cancer, which he says, has transformed his gaze on life. Born in 1978 in Soltau, he grew up in Munster (Basse-Saxe). Son of non-commissioned officer, member of the SPD since his 18th birthday, he started in local politics after a civil service in a reception center for homeless. Former punk musician with long hair, he always plays the guitar and is passionate about football. Father since the summer of 2024, he remains fiercely discreet about his private life. Football fan, he is a subscriber from Bayern Munich, just crowned Germany champion, of which he even joined an advisory body in 2022.
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