Bundestag President Wolfgang Schäuble warned in an interview with Der Tagesspiegel newspaper published on Sunday that the Coronavirus pandemic will lead to a “structural economic change,” adding that Germany needs to reconsider its relationship between the state, society and the economy.
“We will experience structural changes in the economy, society and politics,” the former Finance Minister said, rejecting the idea that state bailout funds and provision of stimulus could save the economy. As the Coronavirus crisis evolves, the state will find it more and more difficult to confront its aftermath with classical means, Schäuble added.
When asked on whether a stricter lockdown should be imposed, as scientists support, the former Finance Minister said that “we must not leave decisions to the virologists alone, but must also weigh up the enormous economic, social, psychological and other implications.”
Schäuble’s interview sparked a heated debate after he expressed some “controversial” comments that seemed as undermining the value of human life compared to the Coronavirus’ impact on economy.
“But when I hear that everything else has to step back before the protection of life, then I have to say: That is not right in this absoluteness. Fundamental rights are mutually restrictive” the Bundestag President said.
“If there is an absolute value in our constitution, it is human dignity. It is untouchable. But it doesn’t rule out that we have to die,” Schäuble added.
The member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) also noted that climate change remains one of the bloc’s biggest challenges along with the pandemic.
