Saturday 15 January 2022
“Circumstances just a pretext”
Palmer: Compulsory vaccinations are not a problem for municipalities
It is still not clear whether and when there will be compulsory vaccination in Germany. Opponents doubt that the municipalities can enforce such a measure. Mayor Palmer thinks that’s an excuse – and offers Tübingen as a model municipality.
Tübingen’s Lord Mayor Boris Palmer considers it easy to enforce general vaccination against the corona virus in the municipalities. “There is no implementation problem. Every municipality in Germany is able to implement this via its fine office and population register,” said the Green politician. That can be done within a few weeks – even without a vaccination register. If, for example, FDP politicians or other opponents of vaccination claimed that it was difficult to implement such an obligation, that was an excuse. “The circumstances are a mere pretext,” said Palmer, who advocates rapid vaccination. “If you don’t want something, you’re looking for problems. If you want something, you’re looking for solutions.”
If the Bundestag decides on compulsory vaccinations and a fine of around 5,000 euros, the municipalities could create an excerpt from the electronically managed residents’ registration files and write to all citizens over the age of 18. He only arranged something similar in November, it took a week. In the letter, citizens would be asked to submit at least one written proof of their initial vaccination within four weeks. If they do not comply, the fines office will send out a hearing form with the threat of a fine of up to 5000 euros. The additional procedures are also not a problem for the fine office.
Palmer offered to try it out in Tübingen. “We also do this as a model municipality.” But first, the general obligation to vaccinate must be decided in the Bundestag. All Prime Ministers and Chancellor Olaf Scholz have spoken out in favor of an introduction. The Bundestag is to vote on this delicate issue without the pressure of a parliamentary group. It is expected that parliamentarians across party lines will come together and submit corresponding so-called group motions, which will then be voted on.