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Bloomberg
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition is rapidly revising its pandemic strategy over concerns its controversial lockdown law may suffer a court setback, which would be the second legal defeat in quick succession just months before September elections.
Germany’s Constitutional Court is considering at least 289 challenges to the law, which was pushed through in April after authorities failed to find common ground on steps to fight a renewed surge in Covid-19 infections. Opponents argue that the legislation oversteps the national government’s authority and impinges on individual rights.
The law, which sparked protests when it was passed, automatically triggers tighter restrictions — such as closing schools and non-essential stories — in areas with high infection rates. At the time, that was almost the entire country. The most contentious element of the law, which is set to expire at the end June, was nighttime curfews from 10 pm until 5 am.
A preliminary decision by the court in Karlsruhe could come soon. Just last Thursday, the government was told to fix its law to combat climate change.