Markus Söder (CSU) makes a statement to the press. Photo: Peter Kneffel / dpa / archive image
Image: Peter Kneffel
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Munich (dpa) – In the black and red dispute over corona protective masks of allegedly dubious quality, CSU boss Markus Söder increases the pressure on SPD Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil. “If the allegations are not true, (…) it would have to be discussed whether Hubertus Heil can still remain in office,” said the Bavarian Prime Minister on Wednesday evening in the ARD program “Maischberger. The week”. Söder emphasized that he could not judge whether the allegations were true, but he nevertheless trusts the assessment of Chancellor Angela Merkel, who clearly supported Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (both CDU).
The background to the debate is a “Spiegel” report on the handling of allegedly inferior corona masks ordered in China. According to plans by the Ministry of Health, masks that have not been tested to high standards should go to facilities for people with disabilities or for the homeless. After an intervention by the SPD-led Ministry of Labor, this was refrained from. Spahn had rejected the allegations, and calls for resignation came from the top of the SPD.
Söder emphasized that the current coalition dispute three months before the general election was also disappointing him personally. First of all, the conversation should have been sought within the government instead of conducting the dispute as publicly as it is now. He was surprised by the way he was treated and was also a “heavy burden”, not only for current government work, but also for future cooperation.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210609-99-929779 / 2
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