Dr. Gérard Schockmel, MP for the Democratic Party, has been a prominent figure in Luxembourg’s political landscape, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a recent interview with RTL Radio, Dr. Schockmel shared his thoughts on the government’s communication failures during the pandemic and called for reforms following the Caritas embezzlement scandal.
Reflecting on his role as a pandemic doctor, Dr. Schockmel acknowledged the challenges of being in the spotlight during the height of the pandemic. He expressed relief at being able to focus on different issues now but stressed the importance of robust planning for future pandemics. He highlighted the need for a public health law or a dedicated pandemic law to ensure better preparedness in the future.
One of the key issues Dr. Schockmel critiqued was the government’s communication efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic. He lamented the lack of public information about vaccines and their development, which led to misinformation spreading on social media and other platforms. This, in turn, fueled conspiracy theories and further polarized society. Dr. Schockmel also noted a loss of community spirit, with individuals prioritizing personal beliefs over collective interests.
During the pandemic, the Chamber of Deputies passed approximately 30 Covid-19 laws, often without adequate time for MPs to review the draft bills thoroughly. Dr. Schockmel criticized the lack of inclusion of the Chamber of Deputies in the democratic process, highlighting a persistent issue in the current governance system.
Turning his attention to the Caritas embezzlement scandal, Dr. Schockmel criticized the severe governance failures within the organization. He raised concerns about the €61 million that was transferred to accounts in Spain through over 120 transactions, despite the supposed safeguards in place. Drawing from his experience on the administrative board of Doctors Without Borders, Dr. Schockmel highlighted a broader „culture of irresponsibility“ in administrative boards across Luxembourg, citing examples such as the State Laboratory, CMCM, Proactif, and now Caritas.
In response to the Caritas scandal, Dr. Schockmel proposed three key measures for the government to consider. Firstly, he suggested establishing a platform for financial transactions monitored by the state. Secondly, he called for a law to set minimum governance standards to prevent similar incidents in the future. Lastly, Dr. Schockmel recommended revising the agreement between the state and NGOs to address the issues highlighted by the Caritas case.
Dr. Gérard Schockmel’s critique of pandemic communication failures and governance issues following the Caritas scandal sheds light on the need for reforms in Luxembourg’s governance and public health systems. His recommendations for government action aim to prevent future crises and ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds and resources.