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SPD health expert Karl Lauterbach in conversation with Markus Feldenkirchen
The SPD health expert Karl Lauterbach has sharply criticized statements by left-wing politician Sahra Wagenknecht.
Lauterbach said he had the "dark assumption" that Wagenknecht was deliberately misrepresenting facts about corona vaccinations, said Lauterbach in a top SPIEGEL conversation with moderator Markus Feldenkirchen.
The background are statements made by Wagenknecht in the ARD talk "Anne Will" on Sunday.
The politician had expressed skepticism about vaccinations and the long-term consequences of a corona infection on the show.
Among other things, Wagenknecht said that only older people or risk groups should be vaccinated.
Lauterbach now said that he valued Wagenknecht as a politician, but her appearance was dangerous.
"That hurts," said Lauterbach about the statements of the left-wing politician.
Lauterbach said there were only two possibilities: Either Wagenknecht didn't know his way around, "that would be a conceivable interpretation."
Wagenknecht's statements are then like he would comment on a football game, according to Lauterbach: that is, without specialist knowledge.
"The other possibility is she knows more, but misrepresents it."
"You can't just let the fourth wave continue"
Lauterbach also spoke about Richard David Precht, who recently caused a stir in a podcast with statements about the corona virus.
Among other things, Precht said that one could just as little estimate the side effect of the vaccination as the side effect of the coronavirus.
Lauterbach described Precht's position as absurd.
"There were a lot of things that are just so wrong."
Lauterbach said that he knew Precht well and valued him, which is why he did not expect such statements and was "caught completely on the wrong foot".
It surprised and also disappointed him.
In view of the number of new corona infections, the SPD health expert will soon consider further restrictions to be "indispensable".
"You can't just let the fourth wave continue."
Lauterbach would therefore prefer the federal states to have clear restrictions: "2G brings the most, that is the silver bullet."
Specifically, Lauterbach spoke out in favor of opening restaurants, clubs and other venues only to those who have been vaccinated or recovered - as Saxony is currently planning, among others.
Lauterbach criticized restaurateurs and organizers in Germany for their "ridiculous" controls.
In many restaurants in Germany, checks are inadequate to determine whether guests have been vaccinated or can present a current rapid test.
Every adult "will need a booster vaccination"
Lauterbach accuses politicians of having provided sufficient information too late about the need for booster vaccinations.
"The entire adult population will need another booster vaccination," the 58-year-old is certain.
To rush to the vaccination centers, therefore, was a mistake.
"We have no reason to assume that the number of cases will decline," warns Lauterbach.
Too many people in middle age are still unvaccinated, while the elderly are already receiving less vaccination protection and boosting is not going fast enough.
Lauterbach is one of the most accomplished health experts in the Bundestag.
In the past year and a half he has made a name for himself as a pandemic explainer.
Some appreciate his competence, others are bothered by his permanent reminders.
Lauterbach is considered a candidate for the office of health minister in a traffic light coalition.
When asked about the post, the SPD politician said he did not participate in speculation.
There are many others who could become health ministers.
But he also reiterated earlier statements that he trusted the office.
However, he did not make any specific claims.
A downside of his prominence in the corona crisis is that Lauterbach has become a target of hatred and threats because of his public stance on the pandemic.
"I am grateful that I am well protected by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA)," he said.
He is threatened a lot, is "in the focus of what is happening".
"The professionalism with which the BKA does this is impressive."
mrc / ulz
