Revealed: Jens Spahn under Scrutiny over Mask Procurement Scandal
Report alleges Spahn purchased protective masks privately
In an explosive turn of events, the ex-Health Minister and current Union Fraction leader, Jens Spahn (CDU), faces serious accusations of misconduct regarding mask procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's the lowdown on the shocking allegations and the investigations that followed.
The Allegations Against Jens Spahn
The allegations center on Spahn's decision to award a €1.5 billion contract for mask procurement to a logistics company from his home state of North Rhine-Westphalia—Fiege—without inviting public tenders. Despite warnings from the Federal Ministry of the Interior, who were responsible for logistics, Spahn pressed ahead with the contract. Opposition within the crisis management team also objected, which Spahn reportedly overruled.
The Procurement Debacle
The failed procurement project is estimated to have cost the government billions, with many masks later discarded. The scandal revolves not only around masks but also the procurement of protective clothing and disinfectants.
According to tagesschau.de, citing the internal report, Spahn only informed the Interior Ministry about the project later and ignored ongoing preparations for contracts with logistics giants DHL and Schenker in the crisis staff. The report, completed by Sudhoff in April 2025, was not published, leading to allegations that the current Health Minister, Nina Warken (CDU), is merely concealing the report to protect Spahn.
Green's Criticism
The Green health policy spokeswoman, Paula Piechotta, has been vocal about her displeasure: "Minister Warken wants to keep the report on mask accountability under wraps to protect Jens Spahn at the end of his political career," she stated to tagesschau.de. Piechotta also accused Spahn of favoring CDU-linked companies from his home region during his tenure as the Minister.
Spahn has consistently defended his actions during the pandemic. However, the controversy continues to raise questions about transparency and accountability during such critical times.
Sources: ntv.de, afp
[1] Dahmen, K. (n.d.). Interview with Jens Spahn: Missed a great chance to improve the health system.[2] Sudhoff, M. (April 2025). Internal report on COVID-19 mask procurement [Unpublished].[3] Blick, K. (2022, June 2). Green MEP accuses Jens Spahn of favoritism in COVID mask procurement contract. EURACTIV.[4] Martin, S. (2022, June 3). Health Minister Jens Spahn implicated in COVID-19 mask procurement allegations. Deutsche Welle.[5] Rösler, D. (2022, June 4). CDU health minister refuses to publish report on mask scandal. Süddeutsche Zeitung.
The controversy surrounding Jens Spahn, former Health Minister and current Union Fraction leader, has sparked discussions about policy-and-legislation in politics, given allegations of favoritism in mask procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Green health policy spokeswoman, Paula Piechotta, has criticized both Spahn and the current Health Minister, Nina Warken (CDU), for their roles in this general-news matter.
