Lauterbach at the congress: When in doubt, politicians

Wo Karl Lauterbach is, are also the BKA officers who protect him. There were at least six on this Saturday afternoon. Outside, a handful of demonstrators shouted “Lauterbach has to go” as the Federal Minister of Health arrived at Frankfurt University. Inside, when he was supposed to speak about the profession of politician at a democracy congress of the Hertie Foundation, a man asked him in a civilized tone whether one could tell the truth as a politician – and recalled a quote from Lauterbach, where he said the opposite – albeit ironically , like the stressed. “With top politicians, you’re always looking for a way to misinterpret something,” said the SPD politician.

He brought up the heated debate about reducing convalescent status, for which he was severely scolded earlier this year. According to Lauterbach, everyone now knows that that was correct, but none of the critics at the time apologized to him. “If you’re evidence-based, sometimes you’re ahead of the curve.”

Evidence-based. One of the words he often uses and which stands for his chameleon-like switch between science communicator and minister. When in doubt, however, he is always a politician, said Lauterbach, which also applied to the time when he was still a simple member of parliament. Nevertheless, he differentiated himself from other politicians: Hardly anyone works as closely with scientists as he does, said Lauterbach.

Exchange with scientists

He not only exchanges ideas with German researchers like Christian Drosten, but also with many American ones. “If I’m now preparing a vaccination campaign for the fall, I already know what the adapted vaccines can do,” said Lauterbach. His message: more scientists should become politicians – like him. Sounds almost like Plato’s demand for a philosopher’s rule. That would improve the quality of politics in the long term, he said.

Of course, the Minister of Health also spoke about the negotiations he is currently conducting with Justice Minister Marco Buschmann from the FDP on the reform of the Infection Protection Act. The position of the FDP, which insists on the proportionality of measures, is “legitimate,” said Lauterbach. Anyone who is not willing to make compromises is wrong in politics, he said.

You can deal with scientific studies for a long time, but then the next step is to make decisions for which there are majorities. “Very tough on the matter, but friendly in tone,” he negotiated, he said of himself. “It is very clear that we will get completely different rules in autumn,” said Lauterbach into the lecture hall, in which an estimated two-thirds of the visitors did not wear a mask.

Paul Nolte and Ricarda Lang discuss

In the morning, historian Paul Nolte and Green Party leader Ricarda Lang were to have a debate about representation. Only the quarrel remained. Lang, who is committed to more migrants, women and young people in parliament, said: “I am convinced that men can make good politics for women and older people for young people.” Nolte nodded. But she thinks it is important that there are young people like her in politics. “Recognition ensures identification.” And of course her goal is to focus on the interests of young people.