Jörg Kukies has been appointed as Germany’s new Finance Minister, succeeding Lindner. At 56, Kukies has had a multifaceted career, transitioning from a youth politician to a successful investment banker at Goldman Sachs and finally returning to politics. Known as a key advisor to Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he has been instrumental in managing financial policies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he has faced criticism over his time in investment banking, including a controversial involvement with Wirecard. With significant challenges ahead, including crafting a budget for a minority government, Kukies is stepping into a pivotal role.