Corona pandemic - FDP wants to work through restrictions
The FDP in the Schwerin state parliament believes that a critical review of the corona measures is urgently needed. In particular, the effects on older people, students and schoolchildren as well as the treatment of unvaccinated people should be scrutinized. "The overriding goal must be to critically examine the proportionality of the restrictions on fundamental rights that have been imposed and to draw lessons for future pandemics," explained parliamentary group leader René Domke. His parliamentary group had submitted a motion to this effect to the state parliament, which will be discussed in Thursday's session.
The FDP is proposing the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to look into pandemic management in the state. "This demand is not being made in a vacuum," said Domke. In Brandenburg, Hesse and Thuringia, committees of inquiry to investigate the coronavirus pandemic already exist or are being planned. Saxony-Anhalt is also considering this. Australia has also decided to set up a commission to review the pandemic measures.
According to the proposal, an expert committee similar to the former Corona Expert Council of the federal government should also be formed in the state. This committee should draw up recommendations for action for possible future pandemics. Furthermore, citizens' forums for social exchange and reconciliation are necessary. The opposition parliamentary group is calling for the state government to present a concept for implementation by the end of this year.
During the corona period, the federal and state governments ordered protective measures, some of which were highly controversial, to contain the pandemic and prevent fatal outbreaks. These included school and daycare closures, interruptions to studies, bans on visits to retirement homes and massive travel restrictions. Leading politicians have already conceded that some of these measures were excessive from today's perspective. CDU/CSU and FDP politicians have long been calling for the establishment of a commission of inquiry at federal level.
According to the Robert Koch Institute, around 714,000 coronavirus infections were registered in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern between the start of the pandemic at the beginning of 2020 and its end in April 2023. Around 2,800 people died in connection with the disease. At 174 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, the mortality rate in the north-east was well below the national average of 205. Thuringia and Saxony recorded figures of around 400 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
The FDP in the Parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern should likewise scrutinize the impact of COVID-19 measures on specific groups like the elderly, students, and schoolchildren, similar to their state counterparts. This critical analysis could also include the treatment of unvaccinated individuals.
In light of the proposed commission of inquiry in various states and countries, it's crucial for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Parliament to establish a similar body to examine the state's handling of diseases like COVID-19 and provide recommendations for future health crises.
Source: www.dpa.com
