Heidi Reichinnek, parliamentary group leader for the Left party, has publicly accused Jens Spahn, leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, of irresponsibility and a lack of appropriate conduct regarding the so-called “mask affair”. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post” Reichinnek stated that while Spahn acknowledges errors occurred, he is unwilling to accept responsibility for them, particularly considering the significant sums of taxpayer money involved.
She further criticized the perceived discrepancy in the application of stringent measures, noting Spahn’s demands for strict adherence to regulations concerning those receiving social security benefits (“Bürgergeld”), contrasted with a reluctance to thoroughly examine his own actions. Reichinnek deemed this approach unbecoming of a parliamentary group leader of a governing party.
Reichinnek also suggested that a willingness to agree to a parliamentary inquiry would demonstrate transparency. She argued that the current attempts at obfuscation from the CDU-led Ministry of Health are inadvertently drawing increased scrutiny on Spahn’s decisions.
Britta Haßelmann, parliamentary group leader for the Green party, has raised concerns about the actions of Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken (CDU) within the same context. Haßelmann specifically questioned the decision to redact passages within the Sudhof report that pertain to Jens Spahn’s involvement.
Haßelmann emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, directly challenging the CDU’s approach. She asserted that Spahn must now explain the extent and nature of his personal involvement in mask deals and, instead of reacting negatively to critical questions, prioritize providing clarity and accepting responsibility for the decisions made.