RKI boss Wieler becomes a traffic light bone of contention: FDP receives objection - "irresponsible"
Created: 2022-02-06 09:54
By: Franziska Schwarz
RKI boss Lothar Wieler (left) and Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach © Chris Emil Janssen / Imago
What Health Minister Karl Lauterbach called a "communication problem" is a "miss" for the Liberals: Now the traffic light coalition is arguing about RKI boss Lothar Wieler.
Berlin - The traffic light coalition of SPD, Greens and FDP argues about Lothar Wieler.
The President of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) had received a lot of criticism for the shortened recovery status.
The FDP spoke of a "recent misconduct".
Bijan Djir-Sarai, designated Secretary General of the Liberals, told
Der Spiegel
that he had "great respect" for Wieler's achievements in the pandemic - but Wieler "can no longer be sure" of his party's trust.
Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt has now positioned herself clearly in the Wieler debate.
"His expertise, professionalism and steadfastness in the face of attacks from enemies of science deserve respect.
And I am very grateful for his work, far beyond what is obvious,” tweeted the Green politician:
Green health expert Janosch Dahmen also defended Wieler, tweeting that he deserves respect and thanks for his "tireless and professional" work.
“His expertise is invaluable.
Without him we would be in a much worse position today.”
Traffic light dispute about RKI boss Wieler: Dahmen criticizes the FDP
Addressing the FDP, Dahmen wrote: “Anyone who wants to govern a country responsibly should deal responsibly with their own executive.
'Counting' people in public is not only irresponsible, it's just not the way to treat each other!”
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) was also criticized for the shorter recovery status after a corona infection.
He had admitted that there had been a "communication problem" between the RKI and its Ministry of Health.
In terms of content, however, the decision was correct, Lauterbach had confirmed.
Lauterbach spoke to the RKI at the weekend, albeit not quite as offensively.
He tweeted about a study on recovered immunity that supports the RKI assessment:
Chancellor Scholz also stands behind RKI boss Wieler
According to the “Tagesschau” (ARD), Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) also backed the RKI President.
When asked whether Wieler still enjoyed his trust, a government spokeswoman said on Saturday: "Yes".
Djir-Sarai said to
Der Spiegel
last week : “The RKI cannot casually determine the shortening of the recovery period with the stroke of a pen and without any announcement.
This decision has an immediate impact on the daily lives of many people.
Optimum communication works differently.”
With effect from January 15, the RKI had surprisingly shortened the recovered status from six to three months.
It is criticized that this change was not previously announced by the RKI.
Many citizens lost their right to go to restaurants, bars or gyms almost overnight.
(frs with dpa material)
