Jens Südekum: Why the Federal Finance Minister has appointed this economist as an advisor

Jens Südekum will become Lars Klingbeil's chief economist. The economist owes his appointment to his negotiating skills – and a proven political opponent.

One thing is for sure: Jens Südekum won't be nervous when he's announced for the first time with the high-sounding title that Lars Klingbeil has just bestowed upon him. As the "Personal Representative of the Federal Minister of Finance for Macroeconomic Development," Südekum will now play a key role in ensuring that Germany finally overcomes the economic downturn and that Klingbeil, the supposed austerity minister, actually becomes the investment minister. The position is new for the Düsseldorf professor, but the role of political advisor is not: For years, Südekum has been one of the most well-known economists in the country, appearing on talk shows, writing opinion pieces, and participating in current political debates. His word carries weight, especially within the SPD.