Lauterbach Calls for Review of Pandemic Policies Post-Election

Germany's Federal Minister of Health, Karl Lauterbach, has emphasized the necessity of reviewing the country's coronavirus policies following the upcoming Bundestag elections. In a recent discussion with a national radio station, he noted that the lack of such an evaluation thus far represents a significant oversight, highlighting that the coalition government should have undertaken this task. He stated that it is crucial for this process to begin immediately after the new government is formed to restore public trust and readiness for any future health crises.

Lauterbach's comments coincided with the fifth anniversary of the first confirmed COVID-19 infections in Germany. He expressed that while the government's cautious approach during the pandemic was largely justified, there were areas where improvements could have been made. He particularly pointed out the extended closure of schools as a misstep, suggesting that a more lenient stance could have been adopted in that area, while advocating for stricter measures in businesses.

Furthermore, Lauterbach underscored the advancements made in Germany's pandemic preparedness, noting improvements in the capabilities of health authorities and the progress in digitalizing the healthcare system. He highlighted the implementation of wastewater monitoring and a pandemic radar, along with the accelerated development of vaccines as significant advancements since the beginning of the pandemic.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier echoed the call for a comprehensive review of the pandemic policies post-election, indicating his willingness to initiate the process if the new government does not address it adequately. He stated that such a review could help regain trust among citizens who may have lost faith in democracy due to the pandemic response.

However, the proposal for a review has faced criticism from the Free Democratic Party (FDP). Andrew Ullmann, the FDP's health policy spokesperson, accused the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of obstructing the establishment of a review commission for two years. He expressed skepticism regarding the SPD's commitment to genuinely address the pandemic's repercussions, arguing that the party's current promises are merely an attempt to garner votes.

Ullmann asserted that the FDP has been advocating for a review commission in the Bundestag for the past two years, often in opposition to the SPD, as well as the Greens and CDU/CSU. He emphasized the need for voters to understand that a real evaluation of the pandemic's handling is unlikely under the SPD's leadership.