By: Jan W. Schäfer and Angelika Hellemann
Thrilled by Olaf Scholz (64, SPD) and Robert Habeck (52, Greens) trip to Canada! On the flight across the Atlantic there was an extra sausage mask.
The chancellor and economy minister did not need to wear a mask on the government plane. Accompanying journalists were also allowed to fly without a mask.
︎ Current law in Germany still stipulates that masks are mandatory on flights within Germany and on flights departing or arriving in Germany!
In many other EU countries, however, the air mask requirement was abolished long ago.
Read too
Outrage over the extra sausage on social media and among politicians.
► Former CDU Chancellor Candidate Armin Laschet (61) stated that government officials and journalists should not ignore applicable laws. “It is better to end non-European coercion and individual national efforts,” Laschet said.
However: Unlike scheduled or charter flights, government aircraft are subject to a PCR test requirement.
︎ A government spokesperson says of the mask swirl: “There is no mask requirement on Air Force flights. All travel participants must present a current negative PCR test prior to departure. This guarantees a high level of protection.”
Means: Scholz, Habeck and the journalists had to do a PCR test a few hours before departure. And just before boarding the plane, another quick test. The flight was only possible with a negative result.