An election campaign has its unpleasant aspects. Attacks on political opponents can become personal, and the methods don't always follow rationality. The Conservatives (CDU/CSU) in the Bundestag have taken aim at Federal Finance Minister Jörg Kukies (SPD) with an unusual approach.

CDU faction leader Friedrich Merz and CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt, along with their faction, have requested information about the minister's business trips, via a parliamentary question. The government is asked to list the minister's past and planned foreign and domestic trips, identify the political purposes and negotiation results, and provide details about the duration, accommodation, and modes of transportation used.

The opposition wants to know the cost of the minister's trips, both past and future, the initiative behind them, and whether business representatives or NGO members accompanied him. In short, the CDU/CSU implies: Kukies is merely simulating effectiveness on the national and international stage, burdening the state treasury in the process.

Kukies, known to be a frequent traveler, is determined to achieve something. After the breakdown of the former coalition in early November, he moved from his position in the Chancellery to head up the Ministry of Finance. He is well-acquainted with the ministry, having previously served as State Secretary, becoming a close confidant of Olaf Scholz (SPD). Despite Kukies' tenure at the ministry likely being limited due to the early Bundestag election, he hardly gives the impression of being a „lame duck“.

From the Union's perspective, the legislative output of his brief term consists of two financial laws. A more positive interpretation would be: Despite the current coalition lacking a majority, he succeeded in getting them passed by the Bundestag in 2024. The CDU/CSU even supported the leftover coalition on the issues of tax adjustments for cold progression (tax bracket creep) and child benefits.

The Financial Market Digitalisation Act, which regulates cryptocurrencies, also passed with the approval of the Conservatives. Kukies hopes to receive approval from the Bundestag before the election to establish a Federal Financial Crime Agency to combat money laundering. The CDU/CSU is likely aware of this as well.

After the Bundestag election, the finance minister will initially remain in office. It will likely take until April or May for a new coalition government to be formed. A minister from an outgoing government will hardly shape policy. Legislation is typically on hold. However, a minister is not unemployed. He stays in office precisely so that the country remains functional. European councils, G20 meetings, and G7 rounds – the world doesn’t stop. Germany should be represented. Some of Kukies' predecessors continued to travel, while others stayed home as lame ducks. What happens after the Bundestag election depends on the outcome. Who knows if the SPD might play a role in the next government?