MPs left perplexed and sceptical on the topic of mandatory vaccination

At the end of a joint session of the Justice and Health Committees on Thursday morning, the question of compulsory vaccination still seems to be causing debate among MPs.

DP MP Carole Hartmann said it was clear the vaccine protects against serious illness triggered by the virus. However, it was important to make note of the nuances involved in the advice given by the expert panel earlier this week. Of the seven forecasting models used, Hartmann said, a vaccine mandate only made sense for one scenario, with a lower percentage of intensive care patients. In six out of the seven scenarios, a vaccine mandate would not be required, she concluded.

Prime Minister Xavier Bettel had announced plans to make a statement in the Chamber on Friday. However, MPs requested more time, according to parliamentary leader of the Green Party, Josée Lorsché, who said mandatory vaccination could violate human rights, and it was not yet known how the virus could evolve.

Among the opposition parties, Claude Wiseler of the CSV said his party remained sceptical on the topic and did not believe it was the right time to decide a vaccine mandate. However, he expressed himself in favour of preparing for the worst-case scenario, and said it would be useful to have a bill ready to be put to the vote if the need arose.

The Ministry of Justice has already prepared a text and the Council of State has been asked to draft an opinion on the topic of a vaccine mandate. However, the text has not yet been made public, nor have MPs been able to view it.

The government will formalise its position on mandatory vaccination on Wednesday 13 July.  MPs will be able to debate the issue in the Chamber on the morning of 14 July.