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Juso Federal Congress: Delegates celebrate Kühnert
Jessica Rosenthal, Chairwoman of the Juso, receives Kevin Kühnert, Secretary General of the SPD, at the Juso Federal Congress. photo
© Roberto Pfeil/dpa
Solidarity with Ukraine, concerns about peace in Europe, the energy crisis and the fight against the right: around 300 delegates are discussing at the Juso federal congress. One in particular is celebrated.
Hardly any confrontation with the mother party, but much approval for the former chairman: The Jusos celebrated SPD Secretary General Kevin Kühnert at the federal congress on Saturday in Oberhausen. There was a lot of applause when he spoke about FDP leader Christian Lindner. Among other things, Kühnert called on the Federal Minister of Finance to involve those on higher incomes in order to overcome the crisis.
If the income tax system is tackled in order to achieve a little more leeway for the smallest incomes through a different income tax rate, there will also be large-scale relief for those on high incomes, said Kühnert in his speech. In return for “more points at the top tax rate or at the wealthy tax in Germany” he offers an extension of the basic tax-free allowance beyond an agreed amount.
In his new role, however, Kühnert was also held accountable. Munich Juso boss Benedict Lang said that as Juso chairman, Kühnert was a beacon of hope for many young people with regard to a vision and perspective for a better world. As SPD general secretary in Berlin, he now bears responsibility and must “continue to deliver for this vision,” said the delegate from Bavaria.
The Jusos condemned the Russian war of aggression, expressed their solidarity with the people of Ukraine and also supported the delivery of arms to the invaded country.
Jusos demand direct payment for families because of the energy crisis
In view of the high energy and food costs, Juso Federal Chairwoman Jessica Rosenthal called for a one-time direct payment of 300 euros for families. This will help people who are particularly affected by poverty.
The Jusos also positioned themselves clearly against the right. Several motions on this subject were accepted by the approximately 300 delegates. The Jusos are an anti-fascist and anti-racist organization, emphasized several speakers on the second day of the party congress. It was decided to launch a campaign to “fight the right wing” and to support the individual national associations in their efforts.
Esken: cohesion in Germany in danger
As a guest on Friday, SPD leader Saskia Esken reiterated her call for a wealth tax for the rich in view of the energy crisis. Esken said that cohesion in Germany was seriously threatened by inflation and the predicted recession. The solution to this can only be an effective state that relieves the burden on citizens and at the same time gets to the root of the problem of high prices.
The three-day meeting under the motto “Solidarity. Come what may” ends on Sunday. Then the deputy SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil (11.00 a.m.) is expected to speak.