Green MEPs inquire Merz 90 about the secretive Spahn contract deal
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the German government faces scrutiny over the procurement of masks, with the Alliance 90/The Greens demanding more clarification from Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The controversy surrounds the high prices paid for masks and the opaque decision-making process during the early phase of the pandemic, under former Health Minister Jens Spahn.
The Greens' inquiries intensified following the release of a detailed 168-page report by Margarethe Sudhof, commissioned by Spahn's successor Nina Warken. The report highlighted contentious procurement decisions, and the Greens accused Warken of trying to conceal Spahn's responsibility for the questionable contracts, sparking heated political debate.
The financial implications of this controversy are significant. Over 100 lawsuits from mask suppliers whose orders were rejected could result in up to 3.5 billion euros in costs, including interest and legal fees, for the Ministry of Health.
Jens Spahn has denied personal involvement in direct negotiations and labelled accusations against him as "malicious insinuations." However, the Greens are pressing for further investigation, including examining potential political influence by ministers, the cabinet, and the Chancellery, and the role of companies like Fiege.
The Greens are also interested in understanding if money from the mask deals flowed as party donations to the Union parties. They suspect abuse of power in office, the possible awarding of billion-dollar contracts to companies close to the party without sufficient control, and the complete waiver of damage claims against these companies.
Despite calls for a full investigation, the formation of an official parliamentary inquiry committee seems unlikely due to reluctance from other parties. The Greens and The Left Party oppose voting alongside the AfD on this matter.
The issue has extended to broader political accountability and allegations of corruption during the pandemic response. Jens Spahn is frequently cited in discussions about alleged misuse of government funds, but no definitive legal verdict has been reported.
The Greens are also seeking information about the total damage caused by the mask procurement, including payments from settlements, lost lawsuits, ongoing proceedings, or unusable masks. They are demanding transparency and accountability from the government in managing the pandemic.
In summary, the Green Party's questions have prompted media coverage and initiated reappraisal processes but have so far not resulted in a fully independent or parliamentary investigation. The issue remains politically sensitive and unresolved, with significant financial and reputational implications for Spahn and the government's pandemic management.
- The Community policy should include transparency and accountability in government proceedings, as demonstrated by the ongoing investigation regarding the controversial mask procurement, which raises questions about potential political influence, corruption, and abuse of power.
- The Employment policy should incorporate health and wellness considerations, such as the provision of protective equipment like masks during a pandemic, to ensure that workers are adequately safeguarded against medical-conditions, like COVID-19.
- Policy-and-legislation and politics should be guided by science, especially in the context of public health crises, to ensure evidence-based decision-making and to prevent the misuse of funds, as highlighted by the ongoing controversy surrounding mask procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
