Despite the daily negative records in the number of new cases, the Federal Parliament today decided to amend the legislation on protection against infections, lifting most of the restrictive measures. Opposition and states have strongly criticized the new rules.
The amendments to the legislation were finally voted only by the ruling coalition parties (SPD, Greens, FDP), with 388 votes in favor, 277 against and 2 abstentions. The approval by the Federal Council (Bundesrat) is expected in the afternoon. Yesterday, Thursday, however, many of the state governments criticized the decisions of the federation, complaining, among other things, that they were taken in their absence.
From next Sunday, the measures against the pandemic are limited to the mandatory use of the FFP-2 type mask in public transport and in the health structures, where diagnostic tests for coronavirus will be required. Further restrictions are not ruled out for so-called “regional hotspots”, if deemed necessary by the local parliament. Most states, however, have announced that they intend to implement a transitional period until April 2, while maintaining at least some of the previous rules.
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who has been at the center of criticism as a supporter of the most cautious openings, stressed in Parliament today that March 20 is not “Freedom Day” and described today’s decisions as a “difficult compromise”, but not between of the “group that wants freedom” and the “group of the careful”, he clarified. “One must also look at the legal issue. We can not continue to protect the whole country to support a small group of unvaccinated people and those who are not willing to take action to protect them. The balance will change,” he said. Mr. Lauterbach.
The Liberals (FDP) appear satisfied with the final decisions, while the Greens did not hide that they would like even more freedom for the citizens.
During the meeting in the Bundestag, about 20,000 people gathered at the Brandenburg Gate to protest against the pandemic measures and demand their general removal.
SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
Source: Capital
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