Former German Finance Minister Hans Eichel (SPD) has advised his likely successor, Lars Klingbeil, to handle the 500 billion Euro special fund responsibly. “The money must be used wisely, not, for example, for agricultural diesel subsidies or reduced value-added tax for restaurants” Eichel told the “Tagesspiegel” (Sunday edition).
“For this, the entire government is responsible, but the Finance Minister must monitor it” he added. The fund should become a reconstruction and future program for Germany. From his perspective, the future vice chancellor has the potential to become Finance Minister. “Lars Klingbeil possesses great political experience” said Eichel. This is beyond doubt, which is why he trusts him with the position “without a doubt.” “If he weren’t capable, he wouldn’t have become the SPD’s party leader.”
Eichel also considers a later leap into the Chancellorship possible. “If Lars Klingbeil ensures good governance and leads the SPD, then he has the potential to do so” Eichel said to the “Tagesspiegel.” However, the 83-year-old pointed out that only two Finance Ministers have achieved this – Helmut Schmidt and Olaf Scholz.
Hans Eichel served as the mayor of Kassel for 16 years and as the Minister-President of Hesse for eight years before becoming the Federal Finance Minister under Gerhard Schröder in 1999.