The triumvirate
The three faces of this pandemic can be seen today in Berlin at a joint press conference: the virologist Christian Drosten from the Charité, the head of the Robert Koch Institute, Lothar Wieler, and Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach, previously Deputy Minister of Health for more than two years because he was so present was on radio and television.
All members of this triumvirate have a scientific background, are experts, have immense influence on political decisions,
which has brought the Federal Republic of Germany closer to an epistocracy than ever before
.
The epistocracy is a government of those who know, that is, of experts.
It is seen as an alternative to democracy.
The American political scientist Jason Brennan has written an interesting book on this, entitled »Against Democracy«.
Those in the know should decide, since too many stupid people have a say in a democracy.
That is, somewhat abbreviated, Brennan's basic thesis.
So today, when the three of them are sitting next to each other so comfortably, you can imagine that they alone would shape the pandemic policy.
Would things have gone better then, as some might think?
I wouldn't be comfortable with that.
The pandemic has also shown that scientists were not always aware that some assessments and forecasts were wrong.
What can not be otherwise.
But if the dividing line between those who know and us who are stupid isn't that sharp, then you don't have to abolish democracy for that.
Debate on compulsory vaccination: »We are all so exhausted and irritated as a society«
Demand everything, implement nothing
What is happening between the Greens and the Fridays for Future climate movement is one of the most exciting questions of this legislative period.
Since the Greens have been in government, they have had to make compromises and be pragmatic.
The Fridays are in the role of an extra-parliamentary opposition, they can demand anything, they don't have to implement anything.
This will lead to conflict.
The first is already there, as will be seen on the streets of many cities today.
The Fridays will demonstrate against the EU Commission's plans to classify gas energy and nuclear power as more or less sustainable.
This became known under the keyword taxonomy.
In fact, gas energy is harmful to the climate, but the Greens are prepared to accept it for a transitional period under certain conditions until renewable energies can secure the electricity supply at any time.
That's pragmatic, probably corresponds to the necessities.
Nevertheless, it is not wrong for the Fridays to demand the maximum.
That could spur the Greens not to overdo pragmatism.
In this interaction, both could be good partners.
The Greens got off to a rough start: when will the first betrayal be heard?
Presenter Russia
Special envoys from Turkey and Armenia
are meeting in Moscow today
for initial talks.
So far, the two countries have wanted little to do with each other.
Turkey downplays the massacres of Armenians during World War I, which killed hundreds of thousands.
In the opinion of the Turkish government, however, one should under no circumstances speak of genocide.
The second problem is Turkey's close ties to Azerbaijan, which is hostile to Armenia.
All of that should now be overcome.
Turkey is primarily pursuing economic interests.
They have no common border with mainland Azerbaijan and would like to set up a trade corridor through Armenia.
Turkey wants to increase its influence in the region through these talks.
The Russians, who have set the tone there so far, will be watching this closely.
They have secured the best seats for this, as they moderate the meetings between Turkey and Armenia.
Genocide of the Armenians: "They had to undress and were all massacred"
loser of the day...
...is the
Luca app
.
My average time spent in bars or restaurants is currently around 19 hours.
That means I usually don't leave these establishments until the afternoon of the following day.
In light of this dissolute life, I feel surprisingly good.
I have to say that I can only get this wonderful number in my Luca app.
Because I regularly forget to check myself out, the stopwatch keeps ticking, even though I've been in bed for a long time.
That probably shows that I don't take this app seriously enough.
I admit that, but now I feel relieved because the Berlin Senate is considering saying goodbye to Luca.
Others are also checking, Schleswig-Holstein has already left.
The app has not proven its worth, I never received any feedback on corona contacts, although Luca registered forever long going out times with me.
I don't want to criticize that you have tried it with this unsuitable instrument.
You had to try a lot.
Nevertheless, the app is the loser of the day.
The latest news from the night
USA is prepared for all Ukraine scenarios:
The US National Security Advisor assesses the risk of a Russian invasion of Ukraine as high.
According to him, the US is ready for the negotiating table - but also for an escalation of the conflict
Medical students in Dresden stand protectively in front of their clinic:
Corona deniers and vaccination opponents arranged to meet near the Dresden University Clinic for a “walk” via Telegram.
Students organized a counter-protest
Apparently more lockdown parties at the seat of the British Prime Minister:
According to a report, employees of British Prime Minister Johnson are said to have held further lockdown parties.
The timing is particularly explosive: the country was in national mourning because of the death of Prince Philip
The SPIEGEL + recommendations for today
Business ideas in the crisis: »Corona gave us a boost of a factor of five«
Column for parents: Corona in children under five: We let our children be infected
Living with depression: »I have no strength for closeness«
Travel through time – Der SPIEGEL 50 years ago: the Olympics in Munich with gigantism and lightness
I wish you a good start into the day.
Yours, Dirk Kurbjuweit
