Criticism Mounts Over Billions in Losses: More Masks Destroyed Than Distributed
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, former Health Minister Jens Spahn is facing criticism for his actions regarding the procurement of protective masks. The Federal Audit Office has accused Spahn of overprocurement, a claim that has sparked calls for a parliamentary inquiry.
According to reports, around 2.1 billion protective masks have been distributed since the beginning of the pandemic, and approximately three billion have been destroyed. The costs of destroying these masks amount to 7.5 million euros, as stated in a letter from the Health Ministry.
The Greens and The Left have called for an investigation by the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee into Spahn's activities. Green budget politician Paula Piechotta has urged SPD MPs for the missing votes, stating that if not clarified, billions could be wasted on useless goods in future crises.
The missing votes are expected from the ranks of the SPD, the coalition partner of the CDU. Spahn's coalition partner, the AfD, has not agreed to participate in the inquiry committee, leaving nine votes missing for its formation.
The inquiry to the Health Ministry about the destroyed masks was made by AfD federal parliamentarian Kay-Uwe Ziegler. Ziegler's inquiry may put Spahn under further pressure, especially considering that he is a member of the Enquete Commission to investigate the COVID-19 pandemic, although his membership is controversial due to his conviction for subsidy fraud.
Ziegler's investigation revealed that only masks whose shelf life has expired and are not "disputed" have been destroyed so far. However, further masks may have to be destroyed due to numerous court proceedings with companies that had supplied masks.
Green politician Piechotta assumes that the procurement under Spahn was foreseeably useless goods. She states that only nine coalition MPs with backbone are needed to declare their support for the parliamentary inquiry committee.
The total cost of purchasing the masks amounts to 13.5 billion euros if the 4.50 euros that the government paid per mask at times is considered. This massive overprocurement has raised concerns and questions, and it remains to be seen if the parliamentary inquiry will provide answers.
Despite the controversy, Piechotta does not comment on the chances of the inquiry committee. As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the issue of protective mask procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be a topic of interest and debate.
Read also:
- Federal health clinics in Maine seek restoration of withheld Medicaid financing, filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration over funding reductions.
- Depakote Cost in 2025: Discounts and Additional Savings Options
- Understanding the Two Variants of Macular Degeneration
- Guidelines for Developing a Fresh New Employee Onboarding Presentation
