[ad_1]
Monday 02 November 2020
The month-long “breakwater lockdown” begins today. Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz defends the strict measures, but also warns in an interview with ntv: if the numbers remain high in the long term, the restrictions will also remain.
Federal Finance Minister Olaf Scholz defended the partial one-month closure decided by the federal and state governments, which will especially affect the restaurant and cultural industries. “What we are doing here is preventive health care. We do not punish anyone for what they have done in the past,” said the vice chancellor in the “early start” of ntv.
You just don’t know “where infections occur,” so it’s “fair” to “act drastically,” says Scholz. Regarding the long-term strategy of the federal government, the SPD politician did not rule out the possibility that there could be restrictions on the population for a longer period. Since this is to some extent a “natural disaster”, one must prepare for a “new normal”. “It will be the same this year and next,” said the SPD politician, adding: “As long as the numbers do not drop, there will always be restrictions.”
“The stimulus package is working”
Scholz also defended the financial aid announced for the affected economic sectors. Since the partial blockade is limited to certain industries, “comprehensive support to the economic sectors affected” may also be “justified”. Scholz went on to say, “We couldn’t do that if we had looked at a much wider area.”
Scholz again did not come out in favor of an extension or expansion of the existing economic stimulus package. “For now, we still have our economic stimulus package in place. We must not forget that either.” This package is showing its effect, as has also been shown by the economic data.
