Jens Spahn to join Bundestag budget committee

Jens Spahn’s political career is continuing after his resignation as leader of the Union parliamentary group. A parliamentary group spokeswoman confirmed that he will remain in the Bundestag and join the budget committee.

CSU leader Markus Söder had predicted that Spahn’s career was not over after his resignation in mid-July. Spahn had stepped down following controversy over the disclosure that he and his husband had used a surrogate in the United States to have a child, a decision that also caused discontent within the Union.

The planned committee role has drawn criticism from the opposition Greens. Green budget lawmaker Paula Piechotta said Spahn had previously shown insufficient responsibility in handling taxpayers’ money. She pointed to disputed mask purchases made while Spahn served as health minister during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.

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the path of Jens Spahn is not over yet

Piechotta also argued that Spahn could face a conflict of interest because the committee may deal with further costs arising from the mask contracts. The committee not only has a decisive role in the federal budget, but also oversees and can sanction the government in cases of misconduct.

Spahn’s ministry intervened in mask procurement in 2020 and entered supply contracts at fixed, high prices without negotiations. Suppliers later sued over masks the government did not accept. The disputes could expose the federal government to billions of euros in liabilities. Spahn has defended his actions during the crisis.

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He has shown in the past that he does not have a sufficient sense of responsibility in dealing with taxpayers’ money