The handling of the ongoing controversy surrounding former Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) has drawn criticism, with the leader of the Left party, Ines Schwerdtner, accusing Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) of a lack of neutrality.
Schwerdtner told “Der Spiegel” that Klöckner is demonstrating “once again that she is not a neutral Bundestag President and is engaged in party politics”. Spahn is currently facing scrutiny regarding questionable mask deals and a report by special investigator Margaretha Sudhof has placed him under considerable pressure.
Despite calls from the Left and Green parties, the Union and SPD factions have declined to convene a new special session of the Health and Budget Committees. Klöckner, who would have been required to authorize the session during the parliamentary recess, followed the guidance of the governing parties and denied the request. Schwerdtner, who herself is a member of the Budget Committee, voiced strong disapproval of the decision.
Schwerdtner stated that Klöckner’s prevention of the special session regarding the Spahn matter suggests a disinterest in uncovering the details of the mask deals. She suggested that the government and Klöckner appear to be attempting to delay the issue and remove it from public attention.