The opposition party accused both the former and current governments of obstructing parliamentary oversight. While acknowledging the efficacy of the vaccines procured, MP Sven Clement raised concerns over Luxembourg’s expenditure of €67 million on Covid-19 vaccines for the 2020-2026 period, with approximately €20 million projected to go unused.
Clement questioned whether the European Commission and the previous government, comprising the Democratic Party (DP), the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP), and the Green Party (déi Gréng), adequately negotiated the contracts with pharmaceutical manufacturers. He asserted that alternative negotiation strategies could have minimised vaccine wastage.
Expressing frustration over the contractual obligations to purchase surplus vaccines, Clement likened the situation to being committed to buying excess fuel for a car, resulting in unnecessary waste. Despite attempts to donate surplus vaccines, Clement noted a lack of interest from other countries, which “by that point already had other options.”
However, the government has denied Clement access to the contracts since summer 2020, initially by disregarding his requests and subsequently by rejecting them. The Pirate Party has resorted to legal action, initiating proceedings in the administrative court. However, court hearings are not scheduled to start for another year.
Citing the so-called “Clement verdict” as precedent, Clement argues that MPs have the right to access state contracts, as affirmed by the Administrative Court in a previous ruling. Additionally, he emphasises the constitutional mandate granting the Chamber of Deputies authority to request documents from the government.
