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Spahn: Allegations about mask procurement largely refuted!
Jens Spahn defends himself against allegations about mask procurement during the pandemic. Bundestag debate highlights risks and responsibility.
Spahn: Allegations about mask procurement largely refuted!
Former Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) recently commented on the ongoing allegations surrounding the procurement of masks during the corona pandemic after a two-hour questioning in the Bundestag's budget committee. Spahn is convinced that most of the allegations have been refuted. Loud Radio Ennepe Ruhr He explained that in the crisis situation, decisions had to be made under immense pressure. His argument is related to the report by special investigator Margaretha Sudhof, which tried to shed light on the billion-dollar mask procurement affair.
Spahn admitted that he actively influenced the procurement of masks against the advice of his specialist departments, which led to significant risks for the state. “It was a Wild West scenario,” said Spahn, describing the pressure the state was under when it came to procuring masks, vaccines and tests. A total of 440 billion euros of public funds were spent during the pandemic, which underlines the urgency of the situation.
Criticism and suspicion of abuse of power
However, criticism of Spahn is voiced loudly by the Greens in the Bundestag. The health politician Janosch Dahmen spoke of suspicion of “abuse of power in office”. A significant point in the dispute is the claim that many contracts were awarded without tendering. Overall, possible damage to taxpayers of up to eleven billion euros is suspected MDR reported.
Green Housekeeper Paula Piechotta threw another stone in the water when she spoke about necessary changes in the health department's strategy in the wake of Sudhof's report. These not only include the processing of the awards, but also the handling of personal data and business secrets, which made redactions in the report necessary. The current Health Minister Nina Warken defended Spahn's approach, but made it clear that future procurement should no longer go directly through her ministry.
The challenges of the healthcare system
The state of the German healthcare system during the pandemic must also be considered in the light of these debates. This shows that Germany performed relatively well during the first phase of Covid-19, but the situation escalated from the end of 2020. Slow progress in population vaccination has led to higher infection and death rates, as bpb.de determines.
The health system was not well prepared for the pandemic. A lack of protective equipment and emergency plans was evident in hospital beds and the public health service, which was often overwhelmed. The federal and state governments ultimately decided to invest four billion euros in the public health service in order to improve its capacities.
In summary, the current situation surrounding mask procurement and the policy response to the pandemic is a reflection of both challenges and failures that need to be urgently addressed. The coming months could be crucial for the German healthcare system, and the lessons of the pandemic should be incorporated into future strategies.