The German Parliament’s newly formed committee tasked with examining the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is facing early calls for increased transparency. Franziska Brantner, a leading figure within the Green Party (Die Grünen), has urged the Bundestag to hold public sessions for the committee, arguing it’s vital to scrutinize decision-making processes to better prepare for potential future pandemics.
Brantner emphasized that the committee represents an initial step in the evaluation process, but expressed concerns that a lack of public visibility could limit its impact. She stated the need for a comprehensive societal reflection, rather than a report confined to political circles within Berlin.
The Bundestag utilizes various parliamentary bodies to investigate complex issues. An “Enquete-Kommission” like the one recently formed, distinguishes itself from expert commissions by including both parliamentary representatives and external experts. This structure allows for a broader perspective within the investigative process.
Previously, the Green Party, alongside the Left Party (Die Linke), had advocated for a formal investigative committee focused specifically on the procurement of face masks by the Federal Ministry of Health under then-Minister Jens Spahn. Such a committee would have comprised solely members of parliament, granting the opposition greater influence. However, the parties lack the necessary parliamentary majority to establish such a body, requiring reliance on coalition partners or the Alternative for Germany (AfD) for approval.
