Saxon state parliament sets up committee of inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic

The Saxon state parliament has decided to set up a committee of inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic. The motion by the AfD parliamentary group received sufficient approval in a special session. Members of the BSW also voted in favor of the motion. At least 24 votes were required - a fifth of the total 120 MPs. The AfD has 40 seats in the state parliament, so the establishment of the committee was already considered certain in advance.

The special session of the state parliament will also vote on the motion of the BSW parliamentary group, which, however, cannot establish a committee on its own with its 15 MPs.

The CDU and SPD, with whom the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance is currently exploring a possible governing coalition, want to take a different approach to dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. On Wednesday, they submitted a motion for a commission of inquiry to look ahead and draw lessons for future pandemics. Parliament will only decide on this motion at a later date.