Investigative Body on the Pandemic Should Hear from Affected Individuals
The Bundestag's Enquete Commission, established in September 2025, has begun evaluating Germany's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission's chairperson, CDU politician Franziska Hoppermann, leads the investigation.
The commission's work is both correct and overdue, focusing on improving data exchange and scenario planning to better prepare for future pandemics. However, it's important to note that the state's actions during the pandemic have not divided society for the most part. Most of the population supported and understood the measures, including those that restricted citizens' freedoms.
The commission's role is not primarily symbolic, as suggested by Norbert Wallet, but rather twofold: it should draw lessons for the future and ensure that democratically legitimate bodies make decisions. The commission should also listen to and prioritise the voices of those who have suffered during the pandemic, such as young people, those in need of care, and the psychologically burdened.
It's crucial for the commission to ensure fair treatment for the unvaccinated, given the effectiveness of vaccines. The debate over vaccination would be conducted differently today, with a stronger emphasis on voluntariness. The commission should also address concerns about measures that were unnecessarily strict, such as school closures and the ban on outdoor activities.
The phrase "calming" is misleading and has been used by COVID-19 deniers and right-wing populists. Therefore, the commission should avoid describing its role as contributing to the "calming" of society. The commission's actual role is not primarily to gather new scientific findings, but to evaluate the state's response to the pandemic and offer recommendations for improvement.
In conclusion, the Bundestag's Enquete Commission is tasked with a vital mission: to learn from the past and shape a better future in the face of pandemics. The commission's work will be instrumental in ensuring that Germany is better prepared for future health crises, while also addressing the concerns and needs of those who have been most affected by the pandemic.
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