Former RKI President Lothar Wieler Calls for Reform and Discusses COVID-19 Origins
Wieler advocates for institutional independence and explores the laboratory-origin theory of the coronavirus.
Lothar Wieler, the former President of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), has proposed significant reforms aimed at enhancing the independence of the institute from political influence.
In a recent interview, Wieler characterized the current situation as "problematic," indicating that the RKI should not be subject to political directives.
He has suggested that transforming the RKI into a public law institution could bolster its autonomy, drawing comparisons to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, which operates with more independence.
Wieler has also shared insights regarding the origins of COVID-19, reflecting on the prevailing theories.
He posited that, based on existing knowledge, it is more likely that the virus originated from a laboratory accident rather than through zoonotic spillover, a theory that suggests the virus jumped from animals to humans.
He emphasized that the determination of the virus's origins is heavily contingent upon the extent of cooperation from Chinese scientists and government authorities, highlighting the necessity of full disclosure of relevant data.
This perspective echoes findings from Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), which has reportedly assessed the likelihood of a laboratory accident as the source of the virus at between 80% and 95% since 2020. Despite this assertion, Wieler acknowledged that both the zoonotic spillover and laboratory origin theories remain plausible and that neither has been conclusively proven or disproven at this stage.
Addressing Germany's readiness for future pandemics, Wieler expressed skepticism regarding the implementation of the National Reserve Health Protection.
He pointed to current inadequacies, particularly in regard to mask supplies, as indicators that lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have not been effectively applied.
Reflecting on his tenure at the RKI, Wieler admitted to previous shortcomings in media communication during the pandemic.
He recalled being unprepared for media engagements at the onset of the crisis but noted that he has since improved his interactions with journalists.
Additionally, he recognized the critical importance of transparency in the RKI's activities, acknowledging that a lack of communication can lead to perceptions of secrecy among the public.
In a recent interview, Wieler characterized the current situation as "problematic," indicating that the RKI should not be subject to political directives.
He has suggested that transforming the RKI into a public law institution could bolster its autonomy, drawing comparisons to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, which operates with more independence.
Wieler has also shared insights regarding the origins of COVID-19, reflecting on the prevailing theories.
He posited that, based on existing knowledge, it is more likely that the virus originated from a laboratory accident rather than through zoonotic spillover, a theory that suggests the virus jumped from animals to humans.
He emphasized that the determination of the virus's origins is heavily contingent upon the extent of cooperation from Chinese scientists and government authorities, highlighting the necessity of full disclosure of relevant data.
This perspective echoes findings from Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), which has reportedly assessed the likelihood of a laboratory accident as the source of the virus at between 80% and 95% since 2020. Despite this assertion, Wieler acknowledged that both the zoonotic spillover and laboratory origin theories remain plausible and that neither has been conclusively proven or disproven at this stage.
Addressing Germany's readiness for future pandemics, Wieler expressed skepticism regarding the implementation of the National Reserve Health Protection.
He pointed to current inadequacies, particularly in regard to mask supplies, as indicators that lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have not been effectively applied.
Reflecting on his tenure at the RKI, Wieler admitted to previous shortcomings in media communication during the pandemic.
He recalled being unprepared for media engagements at the onset of the crisis but noted that he has since improved his interactions with journalists.
Additionally, he recognized the critical importance of transparency in the RKI's activities, acknowledging that a lack of communication can lead to perceptions of secrecy among the public.
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