Comedian and entertainer Hape Kerkeling is reportedly slated to offer guidance and inspiration to members of the SPD parliamentary group during their two-day caucus at the end of the week. The Rheinische Post reported this, citing sources from the parliamentary leadership. The newspaper confirmed this on request, stating simply: “Yes. Thursday afternoon.”
Kerkeling, who is 61 years old, has become a highly sought-after speaker. Earlier this year, he delivered a thoughtful yet spirited address advocating for democracy at the ceremony marking the handover of the chair of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation from former Bundestag President Norbert Lammert (CDU). His speech advocating for democracy in January, as well as his address during the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Buchenwald concentration camp in April, both garnered significant public attention.
Furthermore, a petition is currently underway calling for Kerkeling to be elected as the Federal President next year. According to the Rheinische Post, the petition has already been signed by over 142,000 people.
