Germany: Angela Merkel backtracks on Easter lockdown after uproar

Merkel backtracks on Easter lockdown after uproar In a turnabout move, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told state premiers in a video call that there would not be a strict lockdown over Easter after all. This follows a day of criticism and confusion in Germany. Deutsche Welle (www.dw.com) DW.COM

erman Chancellor Angela Merkel and the leaders of Germany's 16 states will reverse their plan to toughen virus lockdown measures over Easter.

Merkel announced the changes after an impromptu videoconference with the 16 regional leaders in which she explained the U-turn and said the mistake was ultimately hers to answer for.

During a press conference, Merkel said the Easter lockdown was formed "with the best of intentions," but on closer analysis, the planned shutdown risked doing more harm than good.

"It was well reasoned, but was not really doable in such a short time," Merkel said of the Easter measures. "Far too many questions, from missing wages through to the loss of time in factories and facilities, could not be adequately answered in time."

"We must try to slow down the third wave of the pandemic. Nevertheless, it was a mistake," Merkel said, adding: "Because at the end of the day, I carry the last responsibility. ...

In response to a question, Merkel said there will be no new alternative to the scrapped Easter plan.

Social Democratic Party politician Karl Lauterbach told DW that Merkel's turnaround was necessary to minimize coronavirus deaths in Germany.

"The new cases will go up. It will not stop with the measures that are in place now," he said. "I believe that we will not get around without having curfews at night, at least for a limited period of time until there is massive testing in schools, but also manufacturing sites and job locations will be implemented." ...

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