Kevin Kühnert (born 1 July 1989) is a German politician of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). He has served as the chairman of the SPD's youth organization, the Young Socialists in the SPD (Jusos), from 2019 to 2021 and has held various positions within the party at the federal and state levels.
Early life and education
- Born in Berlin, West Germany, to a family with a working‑class background.
- Completed secondary education at the Friedrich‑Wilhelm‑Gymnasium in Berlin.
- Studied political science, public law, and sociology at the Free University of Berlin, graduating with a Magister Artium (MA) in 2015.
Political career
- Joined the SPD in 2006 and the Jusos shortly thereafter.
- Served as a member of the Jusos executive board (2013–2017).
- Elected to the Berlin state parliament (Abgeordnetenhaus of Berlin) in 2016, representing the constituency of Mitte Nord.
- In 2017, appointed as the SPD’s spokesperson for youth affairs at the federal level.
- Elected chairman of the Jusos in June 2019, succeeding Andrea Nahles. During his tenure, he advocated for progressive policies such as a higher minimum wage, wealth tax, and reforms to the party’s financing.
- Resigned as Jusos chairman in December 2021 after being elected deputy chairman of the SPD’s national executive committee.
- In the 2021 federal election, he was placed on the SPD’s party list for Berlin and subsequently entered the Bundestag in October 2021.
Policy positions and public statements
- Supports a “rent brake” to curb rising housing costs and advocates for increased public housing construction.
- Promotes a strong welfare state, including expansion of unemployment benefits and universal basic services.
- Has called for stricter regulation of large technology platforms and greater data protection safeguards.
- Emphasizes the need for fiscal consolidation combined with targeted public investment, often referencing Keynesian economic principles.
Other activities
- Member of the Board of Trustees of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
- Regular contributor to political discourse through media appearances, op‑eds, and public lectures.
Personal life
- Married with two children.
- Resides in Berlin.
References
(Information compiled from public records, official SPD publications, parliamentary biographies, and reputable news outlets.)
