Unveiling the Controversy: The Untold Story Behind Jens Spahn's Mask Procurement
Green faction pushing for disclosure of findings from the probe into mask acquisition contracts - Green faction advocates for the release of an investigation report detailing mask acquisitions
Billions in tax money were seemingly squandered in the mask procurement fiasco, as sharply criticized by Haßelmann. This could mean the financial setbacks for the federal budget and the taxpayers may have been more substantial than they were with the Pkw-Maut of the ex-Federal Minister of Transport Andreas Scheuer (CSU). The Green Party is pressing for clarification of the responsibilities assumed during the mask procurement process during the coronavirus crisis. Specifically, the focus is on the accountability of decisions and contracts awarded by the then Federal Minister of Health, Jens Spahn.
According to reports from NDR, WDR, and "Süddeutsche Zeitung" published on Friday, Spahn faces heavy criticism in the 170-page report by the special commissioner, Margaretha Sudhoff, appointed by the ex-Federal Minister of Health, Karl Lauterbach (SPD). Spahn served as the Federal Minister of Health until the end of 2021.
The criticism revolves around the fact that Spahn awarded a $1.5 billion contract for mask procurement to the logistics company Fiege from his home state, North Rhine-Westphalia, without a tender. The Federal Ministry of the Interior, responsible for logistics issues, had previously warned Spahn against commissioning the company Fiege before the contract award, as reported in the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". There were objections within the government's crisis team, which Spahn choose to disregard.
The procurement project, which ultimately did not bear fruit, is believed to have incurred a billion-dollar loss to the federal government. Many of the masks were later destroyed. The allegations also involve the procurement of protective clothing and disinfectants. The Sudhoff report has been in the hands of the media since April 2025, but has not yet been published.
The Unpublished Report: What's in it for Jens Spahn?
The exact reasons for keeping the full Sudhoff report out of the public eye remain unclear. However, the parts of the report made accessible suggest that it may support accusations against Spahn regarding the hasty selection of the logistics firm[1]. This indicates that the report might contain sensitive or controversial information that could warrant its non-disclosure.
The Greens are pushing for greater transparency and accountability, while the CDU, including Spahn, has remained relatively silent on the matter. The entire affair has raised questions about the procurement process during times of crisis and the potential for political favoritism.
[1] The investigation report on Jens Spahn's mask procurement during the coronavirus pandemic, led by special investigator Margarethe Sudhof, was not fully published. While parts of the report were seen by media in June 2025, the details about why the full report was not published are not explicitly stated in the available information. However, it is mentioned that the report might strengthen accusations against Spahn related to the logistics firm selected for mask distribution without competitive bidding.
- The unpublished Sudhoff report, which has been at the center of controversy, may contain sensitive information that supports accusations against Jens Spahn regarding his selection of a logistics firm, potentially indicating political favoritism in the employment policy during the procurement of masks, protective clothing, and disinfectants.
- Following the publication of excerpts from the Sudhoff report in June 2025, the Greens are urging for greater transparency and accountability, reiterating their concern over the mask procurement process and its compliance with policy and legislation during the coronavirus crisis.
- Amidst the ongoing analysis of the employee selection policies in the mask procurement process, the role of science, medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, and politics remains significant in understanding the general news surrounding the alleged failure and financial losses accrued during Jens Spahn's tenure as the Federal Minister of Health.
