After Wieler criticism because of recovered status: FDP is now also targeting Lauterbach

Created: 2022-02-07 09:04

By: Cindy Boden

Karl Lauterbach (SPD), Federal Minister of Health, and Lothar Wieler (l.), President of the Robert Koch Institute, at a press conference (archive image) © Wolfgang Kumm/dpa

Because of the new recovered status, RKI boss Wieler and Minister Lauterbach are still criticized.

Side blows come from the FDP.

Berlin – The discussion about the status of those who have recovered in Germany does not stop.

“The decision on the recovered status belongs in parliament.

Our goal should be a uniform regulation in Europe, ”said FDP parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr to the

.

"If all European countries stick to six months, Germany should do the same."

These statements can be interpreted as a tip against Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD).

Because the EU member states had agreed that the corona certificate for those who had recovered should be valid for six months.

In Germany, however, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shortened this period to three months.

There was a lot of criticism of that.

And: Lauterbach even emphasized at the end of January that he also wanted to work at EU level for a convalescent status of three instead of six months.

Corona in Germany: FDP demands – “We have to prepare for easing”

With regard to the Corona course, different tones can be heard from the FDP than from Lauterbach, for example.

Dürr demanded, according to

, that specific opening steps should be decided at the next federal-state meeting.

As FDP leader Christian Lindner has already emphasized, it is about lifting the 2G regulation in retail.

“In addition, the contact restrictions for vaccinated people should now be put to the test.

We have to prepare for easing and must not keep chasing after developments," said Dürr.

The FDP made headlines last week because they attacked RKI boss Lothar Wieler.

The designated FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai told

that Wieler could no longer be sure of the "trust of the FDP".

The background to the debate was the shortening of the convalescent status.

This communication debacle was "not an isolated case".

(Traffic lights ahead of big tasks - you can find out what the SPD, Greens and FDP are planning in our political newsletter.)

Healed status in Germany: criticism of Wieler - but also Lauterbach

Lauterbach also criticized the lack of communication. "This was not okay," he told

. It is not acceptable that he, as a minister, finds out at the same time as the citizens that there is a new status. "That is clear, and it has been discussed openly." That should "not be repeated". Nevertheless, he spoke out clearly against personal consequences: Wieler had “done very important and good work for two years and still enjoys my trust. As simple as that."

At

, the Minister of Health also made specific statements about easing.

“I think we will relax well before Easter.

I am firmly convinced of that.” At the next Corona summit, loosening could at least be discussed accordingly.

Nevertheless, the SPD politician put in very warning words: “We are before the peak of the wave.

Now to loosen up to the maximum number of cases, that means: I'm pouring oil on the fire."