British Premier Johnson in bed, the chancellor in quarantine. Virologists swing the baton worldwide. This must not become permanent, says Merkur editor-in-chief Georg Anastasiadis.
If the Corona crisis were not a dangerous pandemic, but an entertaining soap opera, we could now laugh at the next punch line: Boris Johnson of all people, who the virus has long missed, is the first European head of government to be put out of action by the malicious agent.
However, the fact that it had previously been the heir to the throne with Prince Charles does not bode well for the United Kingdom: Apparently, after Johnson's long hesitation in ordering school closings and exit restrictions, the coronavirus is already too widespread among the population to spread the Lung disease on the island would have to be stopped now.
Coronavirus: Boris Johnson's high spirits could cost the elderly dear
A short while ago, hero Johnson - like his Brazilian colleague Bolsonaro - boasted proudly that he would continue to shake hands with everyone. The seniors could soon have to pay a high price for the high spirits of their premier.
Only the new Spanish government acted even more stupidly, calling on citizens to take part in a huge demonstration for women's rights in Madrid in early March. Two ministers and the wife of the socialist prime minister became infected. Since then, the Spanish capital has been an epicenter of the epidemic.
Corona virus: At some point, politicians will have to take over again
Thank God the British don't have to worry: The fact that things are going down even steeper without the Johnson on the command bridge with the subjects of the Queen. The virologists have long since imitated the climate researchers and seized world domination. Europe's long carefree politicians, who continued to muddle in routine mode when the corona virus was already raging in Asia, only the role of amazed extras remains.
The Germans have long since stopped hanging on the lips of the Chancellor or her would-be successor Armin Laschet, but on those of the Charité virologist Christian Drosten. Bad tongues could be tempted to say: It is better that way! Right. But at some point, politics will have to take over again. We cannot afford an eternal shutdown.
Georg Anastasiadis
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