Spahn in the mask scandal: high prices and allegations under pressure!

Spahn in the mask scandal: high prices and allegations under pressure!

Münster, Deutschland - Jens Spahn, the Union faction leader and former Minister of Health, is once again the focus of public allegations about his decisions in the procurement of Corona protection masks. In a recent podcast, Spahn commented on the criticized mask orders and a logistics order that has withdrawn his trust in the population. He rejected the accusations and emphasized that quick action in the crisis was essential because all resources were scarce. This context is crucial to understand the allegations that result from an internal report by the special investigator Margarethe Sudhof. The "Süddeutsche Zeitung", WDR and NDR have extensively reported on the topic and raised several critical points.

The report, which comprises about 170 pages and is kept under lock, examines the chaotic procurement processes of Corona masks, which ultimately cost 5.9 billion euros according to the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG). Spahn admitted that the logistics were handled without tender in order to be able to react quickly in the Pandemic emergency. Critics such as Britta Haßelmann from the Greens and Christian Görke from the left faction call for a complete disclosure of the report by the current Minister of Health Nina Warken (CDU).

unexplained accusations and political reactions

The political reactions to the revelations are steep. The opposition calls for detailed information and speaks of possible leadership weaknesses in the BMG. Spahn denies that he acted illegally; He pointed out that the circumstances and the urgency of the pandemic gave him little scope at the time. Despite this reasoning, there are demands for an investigation committee in order to get to the bottom of the processes in order to procure mask. It causes fears that these decisions could also lead to a loss of trust in politics in the long term.

The contract with the logistics company Fiege, which came about without a public tender, continues to burden public perception. This decision is considered unlawful because it violates the responsible procurement rules. It is also examined why the selection confirmation for Fiege was only created and dated.

failed quantity control and reactions of the Federal Audit Office

In addition to the political discussion, a report by the Federal Audit Office offers an alarming view of the background of mask procurement. The BMG procured a total of 5.7 billion masks, but does not document the actual need that was significantly lower. More than two thirds of the masks have never been used; Over half have already been declared and destroyed as unusable. The follow -up costs for storage and administration add up to 460 million euros, whereby additional expenses of up to 534 million euros are forecast for 2024.

The documentation that is classified in advance as "VS - only for service" and the poor transparency has caused the Court of Audit to criticize the entire procurement strategy as inefficient and uneconomically. Jens Spahn herself admits that he may have made mistakes in this purchase tooth and emphasizes the urgent need to internalize the teachings from pandemic sustainably.

It remains to be hoped that the demands for more transparency and critical processing of the procurement measures will be heard and that adequate structures will be created for future crises. The pressure on politics is growing in order not only to make failed information, but also to avoid future wrong decisions.