The Bundestag’s Enquete Commission on the COVID-19 pandemic held a public hearing with former Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn regarding the procurement of protective masks. Spahn faces criticism over the handling of supply contracts that were concluded without negotiations, involving fixed and high prices. As a result, some suppliers did not deliver the masks, leading to lawsuits and potential multibillion-euro costs for the federal government. Spahn has previously appeared before non-public parliamentary committees on this matter and denies the accusations.

The hearing also included special investigator Sudhof, who formerly served as a state secretary and authored a report on mask procurement. Her findings conclude that Spahn acted on a large scale in mask procurement despite expert advice against it, causing significant ongoing expenses. The scrutiny aims to clarify accountability in the government’s pandemic response, particularly regarding resource management and financial implications.