German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has voiced his support for a review of the country's coronavirus policy and the efficacy of government efforts to limit the spread of the virus.
In an interview with German public broadcaster ARD on Sunday, the Social Democrat (SPD) politician said he was most sympathetic to the suggestion of having citizens' councils deal with the issue. Then not only experts and lawmakers would be involved, but also citizens, he said.
"I don't think that's a bad thing," Scholz said. As a "good experiment" by the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, this had already worked once, he said.
A first parliamentary citizens' assembly with randomly selected participants had recently presented recommendations on food policy.
"We closed more schools in Germany than in other countries, and that was certainly not the right decision," Scholz said in reference to German coronavirus policy.
SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich brought up the idea of a citizens' assembly on the subject of the coronavirus pandemic.
The pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) and the opposition conservative CDU/CSU bloc were in favour of a Bundestag commission of inquiry with lawmakers and experts. There are also calls from the Greens for a review.
It remains to be seen whether and how this will be tackled in this parliamentary term. Protective rules with masks, tests and vaccinations or closures of schools and restaurants are being considered.