Corona: Waiting for breakwater – how the change of government exacerbates the crisis

Corona: Waiting for breakwater – how the change of government exacerbates the crisis

Some say that, others like that – at least there is no shortage of clear messages in the fight against the corona crisis. However, of immediate consequences. The still and soon governments get caught up in the struggle for the right course.

The situation continues to worsen. And more and more threatening. There is an acute need for action in the German fight against pandemics, and everyone can apparently gather behind it:

“Every day that can be won really counts here” (, SPD health expert)

“Every day counts here” (, Executive Chancellor)

“We have to stop this wave now” (, Acting Federal Minister of Health)

“We have to act immediately” (, Union Group Chairman)

“We need a massive reduction in contacts – now immediately” (, President of the Robert Koch Institute)

It only appears irritatingly unclear where the issue of action is to be located. And so RKI boss Wieler didn’t really know on Friday to whom he should specifically address his urgent appeal: “I now expect the decision-makers to take all measures to bring the number of cases down together.”

Germany is in the middle of the fourth wave of infections, but also in the transition from the old to the new government. On the one hand: a Chancellor with waning authority. On the other hand: a successor that has not yet taken its place. And in between: many country managers who.

The result: Lots of clear messages, but hardly any immediate consequences.

time is relative

Even a small crisis summit on Tuesday evening did not promise clarity. The top politicians of the traffic light parties met with Angela Merkel in the Chancellery. Topic: the future course in the corona crisis.

The Executive Chancellor is said to have urged a strict reduction in contacts, even a two-week lockdown for everyone,. There was no official information on the exact content of the talks. However, the timing of the meeting suggests that corresponding demands might have been up for debate: One day later, the “epidemic situation of national scope” was supposed to be replaced by an – which makes nationwide exit restrictions and school closings legally impossible. According to the previous plans, the law is to be reviewed on December 9th in a federal-state round and, if necessary, sharpened.

One day after the meeting in the Chancellery, the traffic light parties presented their coalition agreement and – including a crisis team in the Chancellery and an advisory body – but no new measures. Not necessary?

At least not yet: “We have given ourselves ten days to see if we are on the booster vaccinations, have we come far enough with the protective measures.” The new federal-state crisis team should take a close look at the situation on a daily basis. After these ten days, they will jointly analyze whether further measures are necessary.

The result, again: Lots of clear messages, but hardly any immediate consequences.

It is said that action must be taken. But when?

Representatives of the outgoing government, such as, urge courageous and swift action – possibly also motivated by the ongoing accusation of not having acted early enough. The Union parliamentary group leader warned of a “lightning-dangerous situation” that required “immediate action”.

In view of the worsening situation, Almost Chancellor Scholz announced at least consistent action. They will do everything that has to be done and speak of “new dramatic challenges”. There is nothing that is not taken into account. The ambitious goal is that now all those concerned get a booster vaccination for a booster. He has already announced that a crisis team will be set up. Sounds consistent, but it means: wait and see first.

An unwholesome situation: On the one hand, the Union is apparently trying to dispel the accusation that it acted too late as the ruling party by making tough demands. On the other hand, the SPD, Greens and FDP apparently want to avoid admitting that, as the new government, they have underestimated the situation, and are therefore waiting for their Infection Protection Act to be tightened up again.

The result remains: many clear announcements, but hardly any immediate consequences. What is now needed, however: The scientists formulated immediate, comprehensive contact restrictions and a step-by-step vaccination requirement in order to counter the rapid increase in new corona infections.

In their ad hoc statement, the scientists wrote about the overall situation: “These days Germany is facing a renewed, intensified escalation of the Covid 19 crisis. It is to be feared that parts of politics and the public will not understand the drama of the situation to the full extent. ” A polyphony in publicly presented assessments of facts and prognoses also contributed to this.

And so the current state of affairs remains: The situation is getting worse, still, ever more. And more and more threatening.

Source From: Stern

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