Overview

• The 28-member Enquete-Kommission, chaired by CDU MP Franziska Hoppermann, convenes its first meeting today with 14 MPs and 14 external experts.
• Its mandate covers assessing decisions and impacts from mask procurement and vaccine development to business aid, effects on children and adolescents, and Long Covid, with a final report due by June 2027.
• Unlike a full Untersuchungsausschuss, the commission lacks subpoena-style powers, and a push for a separate probe into Jens Spahn’s mask purchases did not secure enough backing.
• Political tensions mark the start as the AfD participates, including Christina Baum, who has advocated “rehabilitation” and compensation for people she describes as victims of coronavirus policies.
• Leaders stress consensus and learning over blame, plan expert hearings and opportunities for public input, and Bundestagspräsidentin Julia Klöckner is expected at the opening session.