Calls for a thorough investigation into the procurement of protective masks during the COVID-19 pandemic are growing, with a senior official from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) advocating for complete transparency and suggesting the possibility of a formal inquiry.
Tim Klüssendorf, the SPD’s General Secretary, stated the need for a swift and comprehensive examination of events that transpired within the Federal Ministry of Health during the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of establishing “complete transparency” for the sake of the nation’s democracy, particularly given the significant amount of public funds involved.
When questioned about the potential for a parliamentary inquiry committee, Klüssendorf stopped short of rejecting the idea, indicating that such a measure could be considered. He asserted that the current level of clarification is insufficient.
While noting the coalition government’s partnership between the SPD and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Klüssendorf underscored the significance of this issue, arguing that the pursuit of clarity must transcend party politics and prioritize the public’s trust in governmental institutions and the responsible management of taxpayer money.
Recent criticism leveled against Margaretha Sudhof, a member of the SPD who authored a related assessment, has been dismissed by Klüssendorf. He defended the report’s integrity, claiming it was conducted independently and free from political influence, thoroughly investigating the events that unfolded.
