The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has rejected calls from the Green Party and the Left Party demanding a formal parliamentary inquiry committee into the “Masks Affair” involving former Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU).
SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch, speaking in Berlin on Monday, argued that the priority should be establishing complete transparency, a process he believes is not reliant on special committees. He pointed to the upcoming hearing of special appointee Margaretha Sudhof within the budgetary committee on Tuesday as a key opportunity to address outstanding questions.
Miersch expressed hope that the hearing would offer clarity regarding certain issues, including the redactions present in a report released by current Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU). He specifically noted concerns that some redactions appeared unrelated to the protection of personal rights.
Furthermore, Miersch emphasized the necessity of fully disclosing all personnel responsibilities involved in decisions concerning masks during the pandemic. Despite the scrutiny, the SPD politician also offered a degree of protection for Spahn, suggesting the former minister has a “significant interest” in ensuring full information and transparency related to the matter.
