"If you need an example on how to host a press conference, this was definitely how not to host one", said LSAP fraction leader Georges Engel on Monday morning, in response to the recent controversy surrounding the premature vaccination of Robert Schuman hospital board members.
The Schuman vaccination scandal - a masterclass in ill-advised press briefings
Engel wished that Jean-Louis Schiltz had said sorry: "There was no apology, and that's not good".
Meanwhile, Minister of Health Paulette Lenert sought to sweep the case under the carpet, said Engel, even though it wasn't her intention for the case to move in that direction. She will most likely have been upset by the issue, but has other important issues on her plate: "If you have 600,000 people to care for, and three individuals become a problem, then I understand she would much rather focus on the 600,000", underlined Engel.
Following reports that similar events were occurring in two other hospitals, Engel believes there must be judicial proceedings and extra controls. It is a "huge mess" that people are skipping the queue and getting the jab early, and not a sign of respect towards keeping others safe, the fraction leader stated. He mentioned the example of Germany, where a fine of €25,000 is in place to tackle this problem. Even though that figure is a little high, Luxembourg could take similar measures.
"For many the vaccination is the way out of this crisis", said Engel. But everyone must receive the vaccine for the country to regain its feet, so there is no point in jumping the queue.
Read also: Vaccination case not closed, says Sven Clement
Last Thursday it was announced that Luxembourg's vaccination campaign would be sped up, giving patients the AstraZeneca jab without guaranteeing a second jab would arrive in time. Engel supports this measure, as a similar approach is being taken in neighbouring countries. "Vaccination is the key to success here", says Engel.
On the topic of allowing more than four hours of work on Sunday, the LSAP politician remains sceptical, in the interest of workers' social lives. We work to live, not the other way around, he concludes.
