Comment: transparency and information look different

commentary

“Complete transparency and information” in the vaccination dispute looks different

The Bundesbern made a weak appearance at a critical moment in the vaccination discussion. A comment on the last press conference of the Federal Council.

BAG Deputy Director Nora Kronig’s announcement in Watson’s interview was very promising: “To further increase willingness to vaccinate, we are confident of it. full transparency and information “.

Little of that was left after this week.

There was, for example, discussion about a vaccine production line in Valais, which the federal government is said to have rejected. The debate emerged from an article by Tamedia in which it was presented as a fact and the deputy director of BAG was also able to comment. The reaction was not long in coming: resignations and even a parliamentary commission of inquiry were called for.

And what is Federal Bern doing? Nothing for more than 40 hours.

Federal Councilman Alain Berset only issued a half-denial today, saying he hadn’t even seen the article about the allegedly rejected vaccine production line.

BAG deputy director Kronig communicated in an equally implausible manner. It was the pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson, which had long since submitted its request for its vaccine to the Swiss authorities. However, the federal government decided not to order the vaccine. Officially, because the vaccine could not be delivered until the third trimester.

What Kronig declined to comment: EU countries will receive the vaccine next month. Connoisseurs justify it with the fact that Switzerland was simply too late and is now losing.

This is annoying during a pandemic. But that’s the way it is: from time to time you bet on the wrong horse. Errors happen.

But they will only be forgiven if, as originally announced, “full transparency and information” is provided. Especially in sensitive areas such as vaccination, where the health of the community depends on the trust and willingness of each individual.