There have never been so many new corona infections in one day. Nevertheless, the coalition wants to solve most of the restrictions now – the countries are up in arms against it. Is compulsory vaccination a way out?
In the midst of ever increasing numbers of infections, the dispute over the corona course in Germany is escalating. During consultations with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) on Thursday, Prime Ministers protested across party lines against a new legal basis planned by the federal government, which would only allow significantly fewer general protection rules in everyday life.
Concrete resolutions for further action in the spring were not made. There was a sharp exchange of blows in the Bundestag about a general obligation to vaccinate.
The chairman of the Prime Ministers’ Conference, Hendrik Wüst (CDU) from North Rhine-Westphalia, made open protest by the states against the future framework for everyday requirements clear. “The federal government is now responsible for ensuring that the federal states were deprived of the tools for quick and effective basic protection.” The planned new regulation is “legally uncertain and practically impossible to implement”. This applies above all to the regulation on “hotspots” in critical situations.
Scholz defended the changes initiated by the traffic light coalition, which the Bundestag and Bundesrat are supposed to seal this Friday. The corona pandemic is not over. But the situation in the hospitals is not developing as dramatically as it would have been in the past with such high corona numbers. We are now “entering a new phase of the pandemic in which we, like almost all of our neighboring countries, will forego most protective measures.” It is clear that the countries want more. Nevertheless, it is a legal basis on which to build.
The new framework should apply from this Sunday because the current one ends on Saturday. For pandemic control, there are still a few general requirements for masks and tests in facilities for vulnerable groups. Masks should still be compulsory on buses and trains.
However, further restrictions should be possible for regional “hotspots” if the state parliament determines a particularly critical corona situation for them. Numerous countries initially want to use a planned transitional period and maintain the currently applicable protection rules until April 2nd.
Scholz said: “We believe that with this regulation you can do everything that is necessary.” Berlin’s Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey (SPD) made it clear that the Bundestag would have to discuss changes immediately if the infection situation worsened. Scholz assured it if it should be necessary. According to participants, there were harsh allegations at the conference. Baden-Württemberg’s Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) said: “There has never been such a way of dealing with the countries.” Criticism also came from SPD-led countries.
The Bundestag previously debated two draft laws and three motions for or against compulsory vaccination for the first time. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) said: “We can end the pandemic for Germany for the first time with compulsory vaccination. We will be in the same place in autumn as we are now if we don’t seize this unique opportunity together.” Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) said: “Let’s finally get this pandemic over with, let’s get rid of the virus and then let’s return to freedom. “
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Contrasting views across the parliamentary groups became clear. For example, Tabea Rößner from the Greens opposed compulsory vaccination: “Many are afraid, some report strong vaccination reactions.” Left-wing politician Gregor Gysi said: “I was in favor of measles because that eradicated the disease, that’s what the vaccine creates here not.” AfD parliamentary group leader Alice Weidel called on the supporters to withdraw their applications: “You are riding a dead horse, please get off.” Vaccination violates fundamental rights.
Scholz did not speak up in the debate, but reiterated his campaign for general vaccination for all adults over the age of 18. According to co-initiator Heike Baehrens (SPD), this draft by a group of parliamentarians has 237 supporters. In addition, there is a draft by a group around the FDP MP Andrew Ullmann for an obligation to provide advice and then a possible obligation to vaccinate from the age of 50. A group around the FDP Vice Wolfgang Kubicki rejects the obligation to vaccinate. After the first consultation in Parliament, an expert hearing is to take place this Monday. The Bundestag is then expected to decide at the beginning of April without the usual parliamentary group specifications.
Corona incidence at record high
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the corona spread now peaked at 294,931 new cases reported in one day. The seven-day incidence also rose to a record high of 1,651.4 new infections per 100,000 people in seven days. 278 more deaths were registered within 24 hours.