Germany gives Merkel the power to apply more restrictions

The law still needs the signature of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to enter into force. The changes will initially apply until June 30.

The “emergency brake”, which was approved thanks to the votes of Merkel’s conservative bloc and the Social Democrats, allies in a governing coalition, was drawn up by the Chancellor herself after some of the 16 federal states of Germany have refused to impose strict measures despite the increase in cases.

Manuela Schwesig, The Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania said the amendment did not go far enough. “This law has a serious design flaw. This law will not reduce the number of infections “he told broadcaster ZDF.

Germany reported an increase of 29,518 coronavirus cases on Thursday, bringing the total to 3.21 million. Some 80,893 people have died and doctors have warned that unless action is taken, intensive care units could struggle to cope. The seven-day incidence rate increased slightly to 161.1 per 100,000 population.

This Wednesday, while the project was being discussed with deputies, not far from the Reichstag, some 8,000 people gathered to protest against the then bill, most of them without a mask and without keeping the recommended social distance to avoid infections with coronavirus.

Police cracked down and halted the march with tear gas and fire engines after organizers broke orders requiring participants to observe sanitary measures, German news agency DPA reported.