Overview

• Lars Klingbeil has officially assumed the roles of Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor, succeeding Jörg Kukies.
• Klingbeil has committed to presenting the 2025 federal budget to the cabinet before the summer break, following an agreement with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
• Germany has been operating under a provisional budget since the collapse of the traffic light coalition in late 2024, delaying normal fiscal planning.
• The new minister plans to prioritize economic growth by accelerating investments, positioning himself as both Finance and Investment Minister.
• The 2025 budget, once approved by the cabinet, will undergo several weeks of deliberation in the Bundestag before finalization.