Former Health Minister Jens Spahn, current leader of the CDU parliamentary group, has strongly defended himself against allegations arising from the procurement of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an interview with “Bild am Sonntag”, Spahn stated he has “nothing to hide” and expressed a preference for the Sudhof Report’s findings to have been released publicly in their entirety from the outset.
Responding to accusations from Green party representatives, who allege consistent dishonesty in the matter, Spahn has launched a counter-attack, accusing his critics of employing tactics reminiscent of the AfD party. He stated, “I understand that the Greens are targeting me. I never spared Mr. Habeck when we were in opposition. But this whispering, bordering on slander and this constructed accusation of lying, surprises me. I typically only see such methods used by the AfD – the whispering, the conspiracy theories.
Spahn reaffirmed his innocence, asserting he is speaking “the truth to the best of my knowledge and conscience”. He acknowledged challenges faced in securing mask supplies during the pandemic, explaining, “Yes, there was a lack of clarity, without a doubt. That’s because we repeatedly experienced in the Health Ministry that deliveries were promised but did not arrive.
The decision to procure expensive masks from the Swiss company Emix was also defended. “At the time, Switzerland purchased from Emix for 10 Swiss francs, Bayern and North Rhine-Westphalia also purchased. In retrospect, one would certainly do it differently there. But in the situation at the time, there was a tip that others were buying there, that deliveries would be reliable.
Furthermore, Spahn categorically ruled out resigning from his position as parliamentary group leader. “I will not throw myself in the dust for having safely steered this country through a difficult time”. He emphasized that a significant majority of the German population, approximately two-thirds, remain convinced that Germany navigated the pandemic effectively.
