Minister criticized intensely for Lanz incident. - Lauterbach promotes "politics for marijuana users and drug dealers"
Once again, Lauterbach faced harsh criticism! Journalist Antje Höning, head of the business desk at the "Rheinische Post," went after him, claiming he was crafting policies for drug users and sellers. She declared, "He was making policy for stoners and dealers."
Lauterbach uneasy discussing weed
The main focus of the program was not supposed to be about cannabis, but rather the hospital reform approved by the government on Wednesday. However, Lauterbach mentioned his concerns about weed smoking at a school in Berlin, labeling the teens there as more fair to him than in Lanz.
When Lanz inquired why weed is now legal for individuals aged 18, Lauterbach replied, "Young people do smoke weed," so it's preferable if they purchase quality items from legal sources rather than the suspicious stuff on the black market.
Höning pounced, saying, "That's the first mistake." With weed still unavailable at legal outlets in clubs, this supports her notion ("politics for stoners and dealers").
Lauterbach dismisses criticism as polemics
Lauterbach deemed the criticism "polemic," repeatedly stressing that the topic of cannabis legalization easily invites polemical discussions. He perceived it as an unserious matter. "Hardware stores don't sell the product," Höning added to the polemic. Lauterbach chose not to address this, choosing instead to defend his law based on the premise that if teenagers are already smoking weed, then it should be legalized. "Year after year, consumption among 14 to 18-year-olds has increased," he stated, "should this trend continue?" According to a study, marijuana consumption decreased in countries that legalized it.
Unclear explanations of hospital reform
Finally, the conversation revolved around the hospital reform. Technical discussions abounded, such as liquidity aid, flat rates per case, and departmental surcharges, making it difficult for less knowledgeable viewers to follow.
"The cabinet is fully in support of the reform," said Lauterbach, "and respected scientists also support it, as do medical associations like the cancer research and cardiology societies."
Höning pointed out that the practitioners also faced challenges. Lauterbach acknowledged their dissenting opinions but disparaged them as lobbyists. "Over the years, we've created too many policies for lobbyists and not enough for practicing doctors and patients," he declared.
Lanz comments on potential hospital bankruptcies
Lanz mentioned that NRW Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann (CDU, aged 66) compared the hospital reform to the controversial "heating law."
Lauterbach launched a counterattack against Höning: "I'm aware of the critics of my reform, such as hospital company boss Gerald Gaß, but they're simply lobbyists."
Höning described the potential "cold death of hospitals," stating they were going bankrupt like Galeria Kaufhof. However, Lauterbach countered, saying, "There were only seven site closures last year, so I can't talk about a major hospital crisis."
The guests ventured into the specifics of the reform, with medical professionals discussing various aspects of the legislation.
A hopeful cancer discussion
The program concluded with a fascinating conversation on cancer research. Oncologist Michael Baumann, head of the German Cancer Research Center, outlined promising developments in new cancer treatments that harness artificial intelligence. These advancements provide hope that cancer can always be managed.
His key takeaway: 40% of new cancer cases could have been averted.
Read also:
- The 15-year-old murderer admits to fatally shooting Francesco, who was 14.
- Schalke's pressure has affected Terodde.
- Columbia University Faces Possible Expulsion Following Demonstrations
- Football turmoil in Munich: Last-minute penalty stuns Bayern
Source: symclub.org
