Our colleagues from RTL spoke to Stefan Braum, professor of criminal law at the University of Luxembourg, about the potential of a vaccine mandate. He emphasised that the debate of the issue needs to happen in the public sphere and that clarity is needed about the conditions and consequences surrounding it.
As we are now heading into the third pandemic year, Prof Braum admitted to having changed his opinion on mandates, especially given that not enough people got the jab voluntarily. However, aspects of personal freedom have to be redefined in light of a mandate: “And this needs to be done together with mutual respect and recognition.”
At the moment, 2G and 3G rules mark our everyday lives, with controls mostly being done by private actors, such as people working in the hospitality sector. Introducing a mandate could bring about more procedural clarity, explained Prof Braum.
Furthermore, a mandate would take away the personal decision to a great degree, which may even facilitate the process for some. At the same time, the government would thus ensure that everyone protects the health of others and thereby guarantee the continued functioning of the health care system.
Prof Braum concluded that a mandate is the appropriate means to get out of the pandemic. He explained that it is more discrete than current measures, which often significantly violate basic rights. A mandate would help get rid of 2G and 3G systems in the long run, Prof Baum stressed.
