Expose on Spahn's Mask Scandal: NDR, WDR, and "Süddeutsche Zeitung" Allege Corruption in COVID-19 Mask Procurement
- ~2 min read 🔥 Uncensored*
Leaked Document Suggests Involvement of Jens Spahn in Mask Controversy - Memo reputedly implicates Jens Spahn in mask controversy
In a damning report, NDR, WDR, and "Süddeutsche Zeitung" accuse Jens Spahn (CDU), former Federal Health Minister, of heavy involvement in the Corona pandemic mask scandal. The 170-page report, compiled by Margaretha Sudhoff, a special envoy appointed by former Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD), points fingers at Spahn for alleged irregularities in procuring masks, protective clothing, and disinfectants.
Misjudgment and Favoritism?
Critics argue that Spahn overlooked objections from Germany's Corona crisis team and awarded a €1.5 billion mask procurement contract to the North Rhine-Westphalia-based logistics company Fiege without a competitive bidding process. The Federal Ministry of the Interior, responsible for logistics, had warned against hiring Fiege before the contract was awarded.
Billion-Euro Waste
The failed procurement project is estimated to have cost the federal government a multi-billion euro loss, as many masks ended up destroyed. This scandal is not exclusive to masks; accusations include shoddy protective clothing and questionable deals with disinfectant suppliers.
Ignoring the Call of Duty
According to "tagesschau.de," Sudhoff's report reveals that Spahn failed to inform the Interior Ministry about the project until after it had begun. Furthermore, Spahn is criticized for neglecting preparations in the crisis team for a contract with logistics giants DHL and Schenker. The investigation was completed by Sudhoff in April 2025, but it has yet to be presented to the Bundestag.
Green Party Fire-Up
Paula Piechotta, Green health policy spokeswoman, accused Spahn of favoring CDU-affiliated companies in his home region during his time in office. Spahn continues to defend his actions.
🔍 Enrichment
The "Jens Spahn mask scandal" refers to the controversy surrounding the procurement of protective masks during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Spahn served as Federal Minister of Health during this period.
Key Irregularities
- Open-House procurement process with no tender and 700 contracts
- A €6.4 billion budget overrun compared to the planned €1.2 billion
- Favoritism towards CDU-affiliated companies
- Waste of resources: 250 million masks were donated abroad
- Legal challenges: ongoing investigations and mandates for disclosure of files related to the mask procurement measure
This scandal stands as a notable example of procurement mismanagement during the pandemic, with lasting political and reputational repercussions for Jens Spahn.
The European Union and the United States may consider reevaluating their cooperation with Germany, considering the allegations of corruption in COVID-19 mask procurement involving high-ranking German officials, such as Jens Spahn, which could impact policy-and-legislation and general-news.
The ongoing Jens Spahn mask scandal, involving accusations of open-house procurement processes, favoritism towards CDU-affiliated companies, and a significant budget overrun, has stirred widespread concerns about politics and governance within Germany.
