Merkel calls on the United States to "open the market" for vaccines and allow them to be exported
On Saturday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated her opposition to raising patents related to Covid vaccines, calling on the United States to open the "market" to allow the export of vaccines and their components.
"I hope now, after a large portion of the American people has received the vaccine, that we will be able to (secure) a free exchange of ingredients and also open the market for vaccines," Merkel said at a press conference.
She emphasized that "the European Union has continued to export a large part of its production to the world, and that should become the rule."
In turn, French President Emmanuel Macron called Saturday for the United States and Britain to stop "obstructing" the export process.
In addition, Merkel reiterated her opposition to raising the patents of vaccines, which was suggested by the administration of US President Joe Biden.
"I make it clear again that I do not believe that patenting will be the solution to making vaccines available to the largest number of individuals," she said.
"I think that innovation and innovation for institutions are necessary, and for me this includes patents," she added.
On his part, Pope Francis supported the proposal to lift vaccines-related patents on Saturday, with the aim of accelerating the pace of their distribution to poor countries.
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