Bundeswehr-Corona-Operation in PortugalTwo transport machines with 50 ventilators, 150 infusion devices and other material.

In addition, 26 doctors, including intensive care physicians, anesthesiologists and hygiene experts. With an unusual deployment, the Bundeswehr supports Portugal in the Corona crisis. First of all, the doctors are now helping in Lisbon for three weeks. The CDU of Germany says: "Thank you!" Highest Corona alert level: In Germany, this was already reached at a national incidence of 200. In Portugal, this is over 800, according to figures from the EU agency ECDC, over 1 400 within two weeks. No country in the world has recently had higher values. Worse than the figures themselves are the consequences: there are too few intensive care beds in Portugal, there are no doctors and nurses, in the first hospitals, hope, life and death had to be decided literally. In January alone, 6 000 people died with Corona, a total of 13,000 – out of 10 million inhabitants. The Portuguese Medical Association calls the situation "dramatic." Federal Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. (Photo: CDU/Laurence Chaperon) We are convinced that solidarity is essential in Europe, especially in these times." Example of European solidarity"This is what the Portuguese MEP Paulo Rangel calls the help of the Bundeswehr. "In difficult hours you recognize the real friends," writes a commentary in the newspaper "Publico". It is true that the Bundeswehr is the first force "on the ground". "With great gratitude we take (...) this help from highly qualified personnel," said Portugal's Health Minister Marta Temido, thanking the German aid." We help our friends with German medical personnel and medical equipment," said Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer before the start of the operation. "There is also considerable pressure on the German health system. Nevertheless, we are convinced that solidarity is essential in Europe, especially in these times." What is clear is that the Bundeswehr can only help if it is asked for concrete help. This applies both abroad and domestically. Whether in a hospital in Portugal or at the health office in Berlin. The Portuguese Government asked for international assistance in the light of the Corona figures. Germany then offered to deploy the Bundeswehr. The German soldiers start their service at the private Hospital da Luz in Lisbon. Austria and Spain also want to help.