Johannes Kahrs (politician)

Johannes Kahrs (born September 18, 1963, in Bremen) is a German politician belonging to the Social Democratic Party (SPD). He served as a member of the German Bundestag, representing Hamburg-Mitte, from 1998 to 2020.

Kahrs was known for his direct and sometimes abrasive style, earning him the nickname "König von Hamburg-Mitte" (King of Hamburg-Mitte) due to his influence in his constituency. Within the SPD, he was considered a prominent figure in the right wing, often advocating for more pragmatic and business-friendly policies.

During his time in the Bundestag, Kahrs served on several committees, including the Budget Committee and the Finance Committee. He was a vocal advocate for Hamburg's interests and played a role in various infrastructure and development projects in the city.

In 2020, Kahrs resigned from the Bundestag amid controversy surrounding his involvement with the Warburg Bank tax scandal. The affair centered on allegations that Hamburg authorities had improperly waived tax claims against the bank. Kahrs denied any wrongdoing but cited the ongoing media scrutiny as the reason for his resignation.