SZ podcast “To the Point”: Mask report: Spahn is not as good at crisis management as he believes

Following the Greens, the Left Party is also calling for a parliamentary committee of inquiry into the unresolved issues surrounding the multi-billion euro procurement of masks during the coronavirus pandemic. "If the CDU/CSU is unwilling to provide clarification, even though it has nothing to hide, at least the SPD must stand up and facilitate a committee of inquiry," parliamentary group leader Heidi Reichinnek told the Süddeutsche Zeitung.

Previously, Süddeutsche Zeitung, NDR, and WDR reported on the unredacted version of the so-called "Sudhof Report." However, Spahn denies any significant misconduct. His argument is that while he did procure masks at high prices, this was due to the emergency situation at the time. He has categorically ruled out resigning as CDU /CSU parliamentary group leader and instead launched a counterattack.

In the worst case scenario, taxpayers would have to pay up to 3.7 billion euros in addition to the billions already paid, says Christina Berndt from the Süddeutsche Zeitung's science department. It is also questionable "to what extent some companies close to the CDU were spared, directly or indirectly," and "received better treatment." For Berndt, the whole thing has "a bad taste," considering the unredacted passages to show how much Spahn "has taken over the whole thing."

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The report on the unredacted parts of the mask report can be found here.

Here you can listen to our podcast on the basics of the special investigator's report on mask procurement with SZ Berlin correspondent Vivian Timmler.

The Ministry of Health has changed its litigation strategy based on Margaretha Sudhof's report. The report on this groundbreaking decision for taxpayers can be found here.

You can read the essay about the risky side effects of holding politicians accountable for mistakes here.

Questions and answers about the wage dispute in the SZ editorial office can be found here.

"Auf den Punkt" is the Süddeutsche Zeitung 's news podcast on the most important topics of the day. The podcast airs Monday through Friday at 5 p.m. You can find all episodes at sz.de/nachrichtenpodcast . Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our audio offerings in your favorite podcast app or on iTunes and Spotify . You can find an overview of all our podcasts at www.sz.de/podcast , and you can find out how to listen to our podcasts here .

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