Pandemie costs: Merz stands behind Spahn-SPD wants to clarify

Union faction leader Jens Spahn (CDU) receives backing by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) in the face of persistent allegations because of his actions as a minister in the Corona crisis. “I have no doubt about the correctness of his statements and evaluating these processes,” said the head of government in the Bundestag. He again attacked the investigator Margaretha Sudhof, who had found failure in Spahn’s reporting in mask purchases. The co -regulating SPD called for further information.

Secretary General Tim Klüssendorf also considers an investigation committee conceivable. “I’m not excluding that,” said the SPD politician when asked by the “Focus” whether such a body needed. “It is extremely important for our democracy that we produce complete transparency.”

“Enlightenment about the interests of the coalition agreement”

With a view to the coalition with the Union, Klüssendorf explained: “We are partners in a government. But I say: I say: I say: The information must be above the interests of the coalition agreement.” It must also be about excluding personal connections to certain profiteers of mask purchases.

The opposition Greens and Left have been calling for the Union and SPD for a long time to support the establishment of a U-committee. Greens and the left have too few votes, but do not want to deal with the AfD.

Sudhof had found that the then minister Spahn against the council of his specialist departments at the beginning of the 2020 pandemic had entered procurement at the time. The health department also grabbed a procedure with fixed high prices without further negotiations. Suppliers complained about then not removed. The federal government threatens to do with billion dollar risks. Former Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) then commissioned Sudhoff with an investigation in 2024.

Chancellor criticizes special investigators

In the government survey, Merz pointed out that today, processes could be easily assessed from the retrospect differently than at the time in the crisis situation had to be traded quickly. He also confirmed criticism of Sudhof. “If she had really tried to write a report that looks at all sides, then at least she would have taken the opportunity to talk to Jens Spahn about these topics.”

Spahn vehemently defended his course in the general debate at the 2025 budget. “We have led this country to the best of our knowledge and belief through the greatest crisis in its Federal Republican history, and that is safe and with a clear course.”

Spahn rejected calls for a U-committee and criticized incorrect depictions. He obviously said to the Greens with a view to the AfD: “You managed to framed the procurement in need for deals and scandal. You can celebrate it as a success. Or you can ask yourself who uses this in the end.”