Germany is in the news again after Health Minister Karl Lauterbach called compulsory vaccinations (fining and potentially jailing unvaccinated citizens) a “moderate” policy.
“It is necessary, it is suitable, and it is moderate,” Lauterbach said during a news conference, referring to calls to impose a nationwide vaccine mandate. “That’s why it’s necessary to act.”
After Austria decided to impose hefty, life-disrupting fines on its citizens, several European countries followed the precedent, including Germany.
NOW – Health Minister Lauterbach on the compulsory vaccination in Germany: "It is necessary, it is suitable, and it is moderate. That's why it's necessary to act." pic.twitter.com/mRUVsRkCiC
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 14, 2022
Lauterbach previously dismissed the possibility of lessening restrictions due to the less severe symptoms caused by the Omicron variant, saying that record-breaking case numbers (even if they’re less severe) justify more, not less.
And, as usual, he is demanding more Germans get vaccinated… Even though 72.5 per cent of the population is considered fully vaccinated and 45.9 per cent have had their booster shots. One would take this as evidence that the vaccine has little if any efficacy against the Omicron variant, but not Minister Lauterbach.
The new German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, agrees with Lauterbach, arguing that private citizens don’t deserve the right to bodily autonomy, as people need to consider the collective when they decide what they do and don’t put into their bodies — yes, this is real life, and this is happening.
“I, for one, consider it necessary and will actively campaign for it,” Scholz said earlier this week.
“There’s no decision you make just for yourself,” he continued, “and that’s why mandatory vaccination is also important.”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier wants to pump the brakes on immediately imposing a vaccine mandate, but with so many government officials against him, and him viewing his role as president as mostly ceremonial, it is unclear if he will succeed.
“The exceptional situation of a pandemic increases the pressure for the state to act, but it doesn’t replace the requirement to weigh up arguments and balance interests,” Steinmeier said.
“A vaccine mandate means a debate mandate.”
He added that he would like to see other alternatives weighed, which is unlikely to happen given the current narrative surrounding COVID.
