Corona Expert Enters Politics: Virologist Hendrik Streeck Runs for German Parliament

Hendrik Streeck, a leading voice in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic, has announced his candidacy for the German Bundestag. Streeck, director of the Institute for Virology at the University Hospital Bonn, rose to prominence for his frequent appearances on television, explaining the virus and its implications. He is running as a candidate for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Bonn, the same district that once elected Konrad Adenauer, the first chancellor of West Germany. Streeck’s candidacy has sparked interest, particularly due to his potential confrontation with Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Streeck has publicly criticized Lauterbach, accusing him of withholding crucial information during the pandemic and failing to be transparent in his handling of the crisis. This potential political showdown has generated significant media attention in Germany, raising questions about the future of pandemic policy and the role of science in political decision-making.