Investigation Panel to Emphasize Empathy, Not Judgement, in Corona Inquiry

The parliamentary inquiry committee on the Corona pandemic, established by the Bundestag in July with broad support from the Union, SPD, Greens, and Left, held its inaugural meeting today. The committee, chaired by Franziska Hoppermann, is tasked with submitting a report with recommendations for future crises to the Bundestag by mid-2027.

Franziska Hoppermann, the chairwoman of the expert committee, emphasised the importance of learning from the past to be better prepared for future comparable situations. She stated that the pandemic presented the country with one of the greatest challenges since the post-war period and called for a comprehensive, honest, and balanced review of the crisis years.

The committee, consisting of 14 MPs and 14 experts, will include 14 selected persons from various areas as equal members. Hoppermann stressed the need to include external experts in the committee to ensure a well-rounded perspective. The committee's work is focused on understanding, not condemning, and critically questioning decisions and processes.

Hoppermann also called for a search for consensus rather than party strife. She emphasised the importance of drawing the right conclusions from the crisis years to strengthen society for the future. The committee's work is considered challenging and indispensable for society's handling of the pandemic.

The Bundestag President, Julia Klöckner (CDU), is expected to attend the committee's inaugural meeting. The major evaluation of measures and restrictions at the federal level did not take place in the previous legislative period, making the committee's work all the more crucial.

The committee aims to paint a comprehensive, honest, and balanced picture of the crisis years. Hoppermann stated that the committee's work is not about condemning but about understanding and critically questioning decisions and processes. The committee's report, due in mid-2027, will undoubtedly provide valuable insights and recommendations for future crises.