Jens Spahn Faces Scrutiny Over 11 Billion Euro Mask Deal Amid Report, Warken Redactions, Emix Ties, Merz Support, Lauterbach Criticism

A confidential report on the procurement of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has brought former German Health Minister Jens Spahn under intense scrutiny. The report, initially withheld and heavily redacted by the current Health Ministry under Minister Nina Warken, was eventually released in an unredacted form to several media outlets including NDR, WDR, and Süddeutsche Zeitung. It reveals allegations of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and potential misuse of public funds amounting to approximately 11 billion euros. The report highlights questionable dealings with suppliers, notably the Swiss company Emix, and payments such as an 18 million euro transfer to a firm linked to Spahn's CDU colleague Niels Korte without clear justification.

Spahn has defended his actions before the Bundestag's budget committee, denying personal enrichment and asserting that necessary measures were taken during the crisis. However, opposition parties and some members of the Greens have called for political consequences, citing the scale of financial loss and possible corruption. Chancellor Merz has publicly supported Spahn, while former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the report. The controversy continues to fuel debate over the pandemic response and accountability in government procurement processes.