Critics, specifically Greens and Leftists, lash out at Spahn in the wake of mask controversy report.
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a storm of controversy has erupted over the role of former Health Minister Jens Spahn in the procurement of FFP2 masks. The allegations, based on leaked excerpts from a special report, suggest that Spahn's actions may have led to billions of euros in waste and inefficiencies.
The procurement process, which saw the government promising to buy FFP2 masks at a fixed price of €4.50 each, was criticized for lacking a competitive bidding process for logistics firms. The logistics firm chosen was from Spahn's home region, raising questions about the fairness of the selection.
The government ended up with over 6 billion masks, valued at more than 6.4 billion euros, significantly exceeding the budgeted amount of 1.2 billion euros. This surplus, coupled with distribution inefficiencies, has resulted in a surplus of masks and ongoing legal disputes over mask procurement, posing a risk to the federal government in terms of billions.
The chosen logistics firm faced difficulties in handling the large volume of masks, contributing to distribution inefficiencies. Around 100 suppliers have challenged the government's rejection of mask payments due to quality or delivery issues, with claims totaling 2.3 billion euros.
In June 2025, a confidential report by Margarethe Sudhof, the special investigator, highlighted concerns about the procurement process, including the lack of competitive bidding for logistics services. The unredacted report shows that current CDU Health Minister Nina Warken made targeted blackouts to conceal Spahn's responsibility.
The Left faction's spokesman for health economics, Ates Guerpinar, has criticized the Union for covering up Jens Spahn's personal involvement in the mask procurement during the corona pandemic. Guerpinar also claims that the Union is discrediting the special investigator Sudhof and her report on the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG).
The Green Party's health expert, Janosch Dahmen, accuses both Spahn and Warken of misuse of taxpayers' money in mask procurement. Dahmen alleges that Spahn has lied repeatedly and systematically to protect himself and his networks.
In response to the mounting criticism, an investigative committee is urgently needed, according to Guerpinar, to clarify the "more than questionable interventions of Spahn" and hold him accountable. The Budget Committee of the Bundestag will hold a "technical discussion" with special investigator Sudhof about her report on Tuesday. The unredacted report is now available for the public.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of these allegations could have significant consequences for those involved and the future of mask procurement during public health crises.
- The ongoing controversy over the role of former Health Minister Jens Spahn in the procurement of FFP2 masks, based on leaked excerpts from a special report by Margarethe Sudhof, has led to calls for an investigative committee to clarify potential misuse of taxpayers' money in mask procurement, according to The Left faction's spokesman for health economics, Ates Guerpinar.
- The allegations against Spahn for his personal involvement in mask procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the possible inefficiencies and billions of euros in waste in the procurement process, have sparked debate not only within policy-and-legislation but also in general-news and politics, suggesting a need for a review of the community policy and health policy regarding mask procurement during public health crises.
