A heated exchange has emerged regarding the ongoing scrutiny of Germany’s handling of pandemic-era mask procurement. Heidi Reichinnek, parliamentary group leader for the Left party (Die Linke), has accused Jens Spahn, the parliamentary group leader for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), of irresponsibility and a lack of appropriate conduct in connection with the so-called “mask affair.
Reichinnek told the “Rheinische Post” that while Spahn has acknowledged errors, he appears reluctant to accept accountability for the decisions made. She emphasized the significant sums of taxpayer money involved, contrasting his approach with the strict standards applied to recipients of social welfare benefits. The Left party politician asserted that his actions are unbecoming of a parliamentary group leader of the governing party.
Reichinnek further stated that if the CDU had nothing to hide, they would agree to a parliamentary inquiry. She suggested that efforts to obscure information within the Ministry of Health, led by the CDU, only serve to raise questions about Spahn’s involvement.
Meanwhile, Britta Haßelmann, parliamentary group leader for the Green party (Die Grünen), has directed criticism towards Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken (CDU), specifically regarding the redactions within the Sudhoff report which pertain to Jens Spahn’s role.
Haßelmann called for transparency and questioned when the CDU would recognize the need for it. She insisted that Spahn must now provide detailed explanations concerning his personal involvement in the mask deals, urging him to prioritize clarification and responsibility over responding defensively to critical inquiries.
