Pandemic: Bundestag and state leaders advise on corona measures

Pandemic: Bundestag and state leaders advise on corona measures

The corona numbers are increasing – and further action is being discussed in the Bundestag and with the heads of government of the federal and state governments. It’s about relaxed protective requirements and the question of whether vaccination will be compulsory.

The Bundestag is today advising on a general obligation to vaccinate in Germany. The agenda includes the first reading of several bills and motions. The decision as to whether vaccination will be compulsory is expected to be made in three weeks. Then the vote is scheduled.

In addition, Corona is also an issue for the prime ministers. However, it was unclear in advance whether the Prime Ministers’ Conference with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) would make decisions. The top group also wants to deal with the refugee situation in Germany as a result of the Ukraine war.

Protective measures at the beginning of spring

The day before, the draft for an amended infection protection law had been discussed in the Bundestag for the first time, which is to be passed this Friday. Despite the increasing number of infections, most of the protective measures that are possible nationwide at the beginning of spring on Sunday should be dropped. The states should largely be able to re-enact the conditions themselves through state laws. There should be a transitional period until April 2nd. The federal states also want to use the transition period to a large extent according to their previous announcements and decisions.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) defended the plans. “I have to find compromises that work, may
but do not do this at the expense of the health of the population
or your own credibility,” he said in “RTL Direkt”. He understands the condition of the FDP that all measures in the future must be justified with a possible overload of the health system in a region. The countries must use their opportunity now, he affirmed. “This must be used where the number of cases is so high.”

After the deliberations in the Bundestag, a vote without party pressure is planned on the subject of compulsory vaccination. However, the CDU/CSU and AfD have submitted their own motions as parliamentary groups. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (both SPD) had spoken out in favor of general vaccination in order to avoid new possible lockdowns in autumn and winter. However, a majority for this is not certain. There are several proposals on the table:

Vaccination compulsory from 18

The proposal comes from a group around the Green politician Janosch Dahmen and the deputy SPD parliamentary group leader Dirk Wiese. According to dpa information, 235 MPs from various parties had recently joined the application. The Bundestag has 736 members. According to this draft law, compulsory vaccination would take effect from October 1st and would be limited to the end of 2023. As a rule, adults should be able to show proof of vaccination or recovery from October, otherwise there is a risk of a fine.

Possible compulsory vaccination from the age of 50

A group of deputies around the FDP health politician Andrew Ullmann advocates compulsory advice and a possible vaccination requirement from the age of 50. According to Ullmann’s office, 45 politicians have so far endorsed the proposal. Unvaccinated adults should first go to a mandatory medical vaccination consultation. Depending on the corona situation and the status of the vaccination campaign, the Bundestag could later decide in a second step to make vaccination compulsory from the age of 50 – limited until the end of 2023.

“Vaccination Prevention Act”

As a parliamentary group, the CDU and CSU make their own proposal: A vaccination register should be set up so that it is clear who has been vaccinated and who should be specifically addressed. The Union rejects a vaccination decision at this point in time and instead advocates a “graded vaccination mechanism”. This could provide for compulsory vaccination, but only for certain population and occupational groups that are particularly at risk.

Applications against compulsory vaccination

A group of deputies led by FDP Vice Wolfgang Kubicki has submitted an application against the introduction of compulsory vaccination. According to information from Kubicki’s office, 50 MPs from various parties have joined. In addition to this cross-party application, the AfD has also submitted an application against the introduction of compulsory vaccination.

Source: Stern

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