Title: Spahn under Fire: Mask Procurement Scrutiny in COVID-19 Crisis
Onset of major health predicament - Pretext of Health Crisis: Spahn Justifies Acquisition of Masks
Jens Spahn, the former German Health Minister, is finding himself in hot water due to the controversial handling of mask procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics have been levying accusations at Spahn, particularly regarding contractual matters and questionable awarding practices.
Back in 2020, to combat the scarcity of FFP2 masks, the health ministry established an "Open House" procurement strategy, promising suppliers who delivered at least 25,000 masks by the end of April 2020 a fixed price of €4.50 each, without setting an upper limit on order size. This in turn led to 700 supply contracts totaling €6.4 billion - more than five times the initially budgeted amount of €1.2 billion. Many masks were rejected for quality issues or delayed deliveries, causing disputes with approximately 100 suppliers. By August 2020, there was a surplus of masks, and Spahn suggested donating 250 million masks abroad[1].
An investigation into the mask scandal uncovered additional problems. A confidential report prepared by special investigator Margarethe Sudhof, obtained by media outlets in June 2025, accused Spahn of negligence. He was said to have acted against the counsel of his own specialized departments and ignored warnings from other procurement-responsible ministries. In spring 2020, Spahn opted for a purchasing method that guaranteed companies a fixed price if they delivered masks within a certain timespan. This decision led to the procurement of masks costing nearly €6 billion, with many ultimately ending up in the garbage due to quality or other problems[1][3].
The contract worth €1.5 billion granted to logistics firm Fiege, hailing from Spahn's home state, is at the center of the criticism. With regards to this contract, parts of the confidential report add fuel to the allegations of improper bidding and distribution failures[1]. The ongoing investigation into the €1.5 billion contract and mask procurement issues is ongoing as of mid-2025[1][3].
Critics like Andreas Audretsch, deputy chair of the Green parliamentary group, have accused Spahn of creating more questions than answers[1]. Audretsch cites the withholding of the Sudhof report by current Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) as evidence of "CDU cronyism and shady dealings." Moreover, he criticizes Spahn for pushing the Fiege deal through despite opposition from the crisis team[1].
Although Spahn stated on the "Markus Lanz" show that, in retrospect, he wouldn't employ the "open-house" procurement method again, citing the chaotic nature of the mask market at the start of the pandemic, Audretsch believes that smokescreens are being used as there will only be an inquiry commission, but no investigative committee[1].
- Jens Spahn
- CDU
- Health Crisis
- Coronavirus
- Exceptional Situation
- Procurement
- Germany
- Alliance 90/The Greens
- Mask
- BMG
- Bundestag
[1] enrichment data: Investigations and a confidential report accuse Jens Spahn of negligence and improper awarding of contracts during the crisis. The probe into the €1.5 billion contract and overall mask procurement issues is ongoing as of June 2025[1][3].
[3] enrichment data: The report also reveals that the contract awarded to Fiege lacked competitive bidding, contributing to distribution failures[1].
- Critics have been harshly criticizing Jens Spahn, the former German Health Minister, due to the questionable handling of mask procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In 2020, the health ministry adopted an "Open House" procurement strategy to combat the scarcity of FFP2 masks, promising suppliers a fixed price without an upper limit, leading to 700 contracts totaling €6.4 billion.
- Many masks were rejected due to quality issues or delayed deliveries, causing disputes with approximately 100 suppliers and leading to a surplus of masks by August 2020.
- An investigation into the mask scandal revealed that Spahn acted against the advice of his own specialized departments and ignored warnings from other procurement-responsible ministries.
- The procurement of masks led to a cost of nearly €6 billion, with many ultimately ending up in the garbage due to quality or other problems.
- The contract worth €1.5 billion granted to logistics firm Fiege, based in Spahn's home state, has become the center of criticism.
- The confidential report accuses Spahn of improper bidding and distribution failures regarding the Fiege contract.
- The ongoing investigation into the €1.5 billion contract and mask procurement issues is ongoing as of mid-2025.
- Critics like Andreas Audretsch, deputy chair of the Green parliamentary group, accuse Spahn of creating more questions than answers.
- Audretsch cites the withholding of the Sudhof report by current Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) as evidence of "CDU cronyism and shady dealings."
- Audretsch also objects to Spahn pushing the Fiege deal through despite opposition from the crisis team.
- Spahn, however, stated on the "Markus Lanz" show that he wouldn't employ the "open-house" procurement method again, citing the chaotic nature of the mask market at the start of the pandemic.
- Audretsch believes that smokescreens are being used, as there will only be an inquiry commission, but no investigative committee.
- The health minister's party, CDU, has been under scrutiny for its handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
- In the "Markus Lanz" show, Spahn argued that the exceptional situation warranted exceptional measures.
- The Bundesverfassungsgericht, Germany's Federal Constitutional Court, has been asked to rule on the legality of the procurement process.
- Science and medicine have an important role in understanding and mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system, and proper sleep is crucial during times of stress and illness.
- Workplace wellness programs can help mitigate the negative effects of stress and promote a healthy work-life balance.
- Medical conditions, such as chronic diseases, respiratory conditions, digestive health issues, and eye health problems, can be affected by various factors, including lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions.
- Cancer research is ongoing to identify new treatment methods, improve screening, and reduce the incidence and mortality rates of various cancers.
- Chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, require ongoing management to prevent complications and maintain overall health.
- Climate change is a significant factor in many health issues, including air pollution, food insecurity, and waterborne diseases.
- Manufacturing industries have a significant impact on the environment, and efforts must be made to reduce waste, energy use, and toxic emissions.
- Mental health is becoming an increasingly important issue in society, with a growing recognition of its impact on overall well-being and productivity.
- Men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and heart disease, require ongoing research and awareness campaigns.
- Skin care is essential for overall health and wellness, and treatments and therapies can help address various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining a healthy body and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, with diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats being recommended.
