Lower Saxony debates Corona policy: lessons from the pandemic!

Lower Saxony debates Corona policy: lessons from the pandemic!

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Lower Saxony state parliament discussed the review of the Corona policy. From 9 a.m. the results of the measures taken during the pandemic and the lessons for future crises will be on the agenda. The reason for this debate is a request from the AfD parliamentary group, which would like to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures taken. Lower Saxony has successfully turned things around in the discussion about the pandemic and can look back on good results in a nationwide comparison.

The Lower Saxony state government Currently sees no reason for a separate investigative committee, as the findings of an already existing special committee were incorporated into the planning. This is emphasized by Minister Dr. Andreas Philippi, who answered an urgent question from the AfD parliamentary group. He emphasizes that Lower Saxony acted proactively to protect vulnerable groups and stabilize the health system during the pandemic.

Internal documents and ongoing audits

A key point in the review is the internal documents from the crisis meetings at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), which were published in March 2024. This publication came about as a result of a lawsuit filed by the online magazine Multipolar, as well as by the daily news reported. The protocols provide insight into the decision-making processes at the time and the extensive dynamic situation that made it necessary to continuously adapt the measures.

The last COVID-19 measures were taken on April 7, 2024, after Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach previously declared the pandemic to be over on April 1, 2023. Virologist Hendrik Streeck, a member of the Corona Expert Council, does not see any significant scandals in the RKI protocols, but emphasizes that the discussions were not sufficiently public.

Social traces and perspectives

The Corona years have clearly left their mark on society, as evidenced by the ongoing debates about coming to terms with them. The topic is hotly debated. While the FDP and the Union are pushing for a study commission to examine the pandemic measures, the SPD makes it clear that they will continue to carry out ongoing evaluations but do not favor such a commission. The Greens support the idea of ​​a parliamentary review, but remain skeptical about a commission-based solution.

In addition, another explosive topic is also being discussed in the state parliament plenum: the ugly act of violence in Oldenburg, in which a 59-year-old man shot his 35-year-old partner and two children before taking his own life, is also discussed. Dealing with violence against women is another important point in the debate, which is intended to sharpen the political focus on the conditions in Lower Saxony.

It remains to be seen whether coming to terms with the Corona measures can promote a society of reconciliation. The need for clear answers and a transparent way of dealing with the events of the last few years will definitely continue to be high.