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The FDP urges: "Why doesn't the mask requirement come immediately?"

2020-04-07T16:12:59.008Z


Martin Hagen, fraction leader of the Bayern FDP, urges Markus Söder to a clear road map as to how Bavaria comes out of the corona restrictions. He believes that if the obligation to wear a mask came immediately, the shops could open again immediately.


Martin Hagen, fraction leader of the Bayern FDP, urges Markus Söder to a clear road map as to how Bavaria comes out of the corona restrictions. He believes that if the obligation to wear a mask came immediately, the shops could open again immediately.

Munich - times of crisis are the times of the executive. The loudest opposition in the state parliament is currently the small FDP. An interview with parliamentary leader Martin Hagen about the exit strategy for Bavaria.

Mr. Hagen, Markus Söder says the corona crisis is not a thunderstorm that is quickly over. Would you go out in the rain?

(laughs) Yes, but only with the right clothes. At Corona we have to move away from black and white considerations. We are not calling for an exit now, but a discussion about an exit strategy. . . .

. . The Prime Minister said last week that it was now coming out of time.

I thought that was presumptuous. In a democracy, there must always be a debate about what the government is doing. Especially when it decides so drastic cuts in the freedom of citizens and deprives companies of the business basis.

Now Söder is moving.

That is good, but still too vague. I am surprised that he says that in the end there will be a mask requirement. Why not immediately? Our suggestion is on the table: let's tighten the infection protection when shopping with a mask, all shops can then open again.

There are simply not enough masks for this.

It is true that the government failed to stock up and procure masks. But we are not talking about medical masks, but about simple mouth-nose coverage. If in doubt, sew it yourself.

How does it fit into a liberal's worldview to make people wear masks?

Unfortunately, we are in a situation where we have to weigh freedom restrictions - after all, human lives are at stake. If we were allowed to shop in all stores again with a face mask, that would be a gain in freedom. It is difficult to see why people are now buying flowers, charcoal and bicycles from Aldi, but are not allowed to open garden centers, hardware stores and bike shops.

What would be your exit plan?

We have to test across the board to isolate infected people. Risk groups have to stay at home longer than young, healthy people. Protective masks are an important component. In general, we have to act differently depending on the industry and region. Everything depends on the development of infection rates. However, you should change a few rules right away.

Namely?

When I read that park benches scare people away in Munich. Or that families who live in a small apartment are not allowed to have a picnic in the park. Proportionality is lacking, nobody is endangered.

Söder has appealed to the police to exercise more judgment.

The police are doing what the government says. So Söder himself must show a sense of proportion and abolish the ban on sitting alone on a park bench.

Does the Prime Minister coordinate his actions with the opposition?

There was a good exchange with the Infection Protection Act. We as the opposition were able to implement improvements. We only learn about executive regulations such as school closings and exit restrictions from the press.

Nevertheless, there is little criticism from the opposition.

We are pulling together in this crisis. As an opposition, we play a constructive role, but we also have a control function. I've been calling for an exit strategy for two weeks. Overall - I agree with you there - the opposition is too quiet. I would like the other groups to have a livelier debate.

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2020-04-07

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