Scientists had already pointed out last winter that 2021 might not be a good year for fighting the pandemic because politicians might be more interested in the course of their survey curves than in the fight against the epidemic. Less than three months before the federal elections on September 26, one or the other may feel confirmed: The political hitting and stabbing has started, the corona pandemic has become an election issue. Most recently in Bavaria, where the governing coalition of CSU and FW is being put to the next test when it comes to vaccination. FW boss Hubert Aiwanger, rarely reluctant to make public statements, positions himself on the side of those who have not yet finally made peace with vaccinating against the corona virus. Not yet vaccinated himself, the farmer from Lower Bavaria warned in the “FAZ” of an “apartheid discussion”. Vaccination opponents and corona deniers could withdraw into the role of victims and trigger a discussion about unequal treatment and a two-class society. He fears that this would drive the voters into the arms of the AfD in droves. There was prompt criticism of Aiwanger’s choice of words, who hopes to move into the Bundestag with his FW and, among other things, to dispute the Green votes. Among other things, the Berlin Senator for Economic Affairs, Ramona Pop (Greens), stated in a press release: “Racism, misanthropy and shots even at children were hallmarks of apartheid. Equating this with corona protective measures is unbearable.” Aiwanger vehemently denies any “equation”. “I have warned that if we take a rash approach to vaccination policy, we will deliver ammunition to those who oppose vaccination and get into an apartheid discussion.” He did not mean by any means that differences between vaccinated and non-vaccinated people could be compared with apartheid. Nevertheless, Health Minister Klaus Holetschek (CSU) insists: “Weird comparisons” are not the right way to go, the population will only be made insecure. In fact, Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) had at least significantly increased the psychological pressure on unvaccinated people at the side of his health minister. Söder explained, for example, that going to a disco or a club from autumn onwards could depend on proof of vaccination. He may also no longer want to offer corona tests free of charge. In this way, money would not be paid directly to those willing to be vaccinated, as others suggested, but the vaccination would have a financial benefit because it would save the test costs. Holetschek argued: “It is an issue that affects society as a whole, from which nobody can duck.” Aiwanger sees a need to talk to Söder.
“We’ll have to talk.” Aiwanger said vaccination is an important building block in the fight against corona, but not the only one. The topic of testing must also be pursued further. “So even someone who tested negative must be allowed to go to the disco,” emphasized Aiwanger. If you only let the vaccinated in a disco and not the unvaccinated, then there will be accusations of the two-class society.