Kurt Georg Kiesinger - Der Vermittler [Doku]

Berlin 1968: Youth Rebellion and Political Turmoil

The Outbreak of Protests

• In November 1968, a critical youth movement emerges in Berlin, rebelling against the established state represented by their fathers.

• A young woman disrupts a CDU party meeting led by Chancellor Kiesinger, shouting for his resignation and physically confronting him, marking her as a symbol of generational conflict.

Context of the Protests

• The protests are fueled by opposition to the Vietnam War and dissatisfaction with bourgeois societal norms; students seek new ways of living.

• The protest movement views Kiesinger's past as an emblematic enemy figure, representing a generation they oppose.

Kiesinger's Reaction and Historical Perspective

• Chancellor Kiesinger feels unjustly attacked by the protests, which he perceives as personal affronts rather than political critiques.

• His historical significance is debated; some argue that without this confrontation, he might have been forgotten in history.

Evaluation of Kiesinger’s Leadership

• The speaker believes that historical accounts have not fairly represented Kiesinger's tenure during a transformative period in Germany.

• This era is characterized by unprecedented prosperity but also a desire among youth to break free from outdated traditions.

Political Career Background

• Kiesinger’s political career began with his election to the Bundestag in 1949; he was known for his expertise in foreign policy under Adenauer.

• He earned the nickname "King Silver Tongue" due to his oratory skills but remained sidelined from key government positions throughout Adenauer's leadership.

Transition to Power

• After years of loyalty without reward, Kiesinger becomes Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg before eventually succeeding Erhard as Chancellor amid party turmoil.

• His candidacy for Chancellor was supported through strategic maneuvering within party politics, highlighting internal dynamics within the CDU.

Kiesinger's Controversial Past and Political Rise

The Shadow of the Third Reich

• Kiesinger's candidacy is marred by his past involvement in the Nazi regime, leading to intense criticism from within his own party during coalition negotiations.

• Professor Albert Norden reveals that Kiesinger was a prominent figure in Hitler's propaganda apparatus, highlighting the complexities of his political history.

• In January 1933, Kiesinger joins Hitler’s party with naive intentions, believing he could leverage national forces against the Nazis—a misjudgment reflecting a broader historical naivety.

Navigating Through War and Propaganda

• As World War II begins, Kiesinger remains in the Nazi Party but grows increasingly uncomfortable; he finances his family through legal courses until war disrupts this stability.

• A colleague helps him avoid frontline service by securing a position at the Foreign Office, where he plays a role in managing wartime propaganda efforts.

• Despite being outmatched by Goebbels' authority, Kiesinger rises to Vice Chief of the Broadcasting Department, demonstrating adaptability amidst bureaucratic struggles.

The End of War and Political Consequences

• Recognizing the futility of war earlier than many peers, Kiesinger faces denunciation for opposing anti-Jewish actions late in WWII; however, this accusation has no immediate repercussions.

• Years later, an archived denunciation resurfaces as ammunition against him during his chancellorship campaign—sparking public debate about his suitability for leadership.

Coalition Politics and Leadership Dynamics

• Critics argue that someone with significant ties to Nazism should not lead Germany; yet societal sentiments favor strong leaders with "clean" backgrounds—reflecting post-war attitudes towards governance.

• As Chancellor of a grand coalition with SPD leaders Willy Brandt and Herbert Wehner, Kiesinger navigates complex political waters amid economic challenges like rising unemployment.

Personal Relationships and Political Strategy

• Wehner’s influence over Kiesinger is notable; despite mutual distrust, they form an alliance aimed at proving governmental capability amidst crises.

• Their relationship deepens through personal interactions that soften political tensions; both men find common ground despite their differing backgrounds and ideologies.

• The cabinet dynamics showcase how diverse personalities can collaborate effectively under skilled moderation from Kiesinger as he balances various ministerial interests.

Kiesinger's Diplomatic Approach

Managing Coalition Tensions

• Kiesinger refrains from addressing issues directly, allowing Strauss to explain the situation, showcasing his suggestive persuasion style.

• In a relaxed setting at Lake Constance, Kiesinger invites faction leaders to discuss differences in East German policy away from media scrutiny.

The Challenge of East German Relations

• A significant test arises in May 1967 when an unexpected messenger delivers a controversial letter from East Berlin to Bonn.

• Despite initial resistance from his party regarding the letter's acceptance, Kiesinger decides to respond diplomatically rather than reject it outright.

Shifting Political Strategies

• While Kiesinger acknowledges the need for a change in approach towards East Germany, he is cautious not to alienate his own supporters.

• He struggles with recognizing East Germany as a legitimate state while advocating for improved relations and exchanges between the two Germanys.

Personal Reflections on Leadership

• Kiesinger expresses discomfort with direct negotiations with DDR representatives, preferring discussions on broader historical and philosophical topics.

• His leadership style often leads cabinet meetings into intellectual discussions rather than focusing solely on political matters.

Perfectionism and Public Image

• Known for his sociability and love for culture, Kiesinger’s perfectionism often resulted in dissatisfaction with his own speeches and documents.

• His meticulous nature led him to demand high standards from himself and others, causing challenges within his administration due to over-expectation.

Washington's Diplomatic Relations

Rebuilding Relationships with the U.S.

• Washington quickly restores diplomatic relations with President Johnson, which had suffered under his predecessor.

• The German guest wins over American hearts, particularly through his beloved granddaughter, who becomes a popular ambassador in the U.S.

Personal Anecdotes and Cultural Exchange

• The speaker shares a personal story about being affectionately nicknamed "Froschle" by their grandfather due to their playful nature as a child.

Challenges in Foreign Policy

Tensions in East-West Relations

• Chancellor Kiesinger addresses past irritations with French leader de Gaulle but faces challenges from his foreign minister Brand regarding foreign policy direction.

• Both leaders agree on the need to diplomatically engage with Eastern Bloc countries like Romania and Yugoslavia, despite differing speeds of approach.

Political Climate and Reform Movements

• The Czechoslovakian reform movement stirs hope for freedom but is viewed cautiously by Kiesinger, who fears provoking Moscow.

• The Soviet invasion of Prague in 1968 crushes hopes for rapid reconciliation between East and West Germany.

Domestic Political Landscape

Economic Recovery and Public Sentiment

• Despite setbacks in foreign policy, economic recovery leads to high public approval for the Chancellor, reminiscent of Adenauer's popularity.

• Youth movements begin to reject traditional political figures as protests against authority grow louder.

Student Protests and Government Response

• A peaceful demonstration escalates into violence after police confront students; this marks a turning point leading to widespread unrest.

• The speaker emphasizes that revolution is not instantaneous but rather a prolonged process requiring societal change.

Confrontation Between Generations

Misunderstanding Youth Movements

• Kiesinger fails to recognize the reformist spirit emerging from youth protests, viewing them merely as disorderly behavior.

Escalating Tensions

• Following an assassination attempt on student leader Rudi Dutschke, tensions between state power and student activism escalate significantly.

Government's Struggle with Civil Unrest

Balancing Authority and Freedom of Expression

• There is a call for protecting students' rights to express dissent while also maintaining order against potential violence.

Legislative Actions Amidst Protests

• Mass protests fail to prevent the introduction of emergency laws that could restrict civil liberties during crises.

Political Vacuum and Opposition Dynamics

Emergence of Alternative Political Voices

• The weakening of traditional opposition creates space for an extra-parliamentary opposition (APO), which gains momentum amidst public discontent.

Government's Reaction to Dissent

• Increasing public outcry highlights the necessity for government respectability; however, it clashes with established norms from previous generations.

Kiesinger's Political Journey and Challenges

The Sensitivity of Kiesinger

• Kiesinger is described as a sensitive individual, lacking the tough exterior often necessary for navigating the turbulent waters of federal politics.

• He frequently retreats to his Swabian homeland to gain distance from political pressures, indicating a need for personal refuge amidst his responsibilities.

Political Strategy and Election Dynamics

• As the 1969 presidential election approaches, Kiesinger faces competition from SPD candidate Gustav Heinemann, with tensions rising within the coalition government.

• The FDP's support shifts towards Heinemann, marking a significant power transition towards a social-liberal alliance in German politics.

Coalition Struggles

• Internal conflicts within the coalition become apparent as leaders struggle to maintain unity; shared goals seem increasingly elusive.

• A notable moment occurs during a meeting where dissent among coalition members is palpable, highlighting growing divisions.

Election Campaign Tactics

• Kiesinger bets everything on achieving an absolute majority for his party in what he deems one of the most critical elections since 1949.

• Initial optimism arises when early results appear favorable; however, this mood quickly shifts as reality sets in.

Election Outcome and Aftermath

• Despite initial high hopes, it becomes clear that Kiesinger's party falls short of an absolute majority by just 0.9%, leading to disappointment.

• In light of this defeat, Kiesinger contemplates stepping down from leadership roles while grappling with the implications of losing power.