National legislature reconsiders key debates and decisions. - Increased funds for young firefighters
The youth training allowance in the fire department is set to double, following a decision by the Thuringian parliament involving the Left, SPD, Greens, and CDU. Abstentions were made by AfD and FDP.
This move comes three months prior to the state election, as the parliament paves the way for a significant reform of the Fire and Disaster Protection Act. The youth allowance, previously only paid to those in the fire department, is now set to be given to youth organizations of disaster protection as well. In addition, emergency services will need to declare their dedication to upholding the liberal-democratic basic order. Key points of the legislation include:
Underage Emergency Responders
The law now specifies that individuals who are 16 and 17 years old are unable to join fire department operations. The new stipulation states that adulthood is a necessity for involvement. The CDU politician Jonas Urbach mentioned during the debate that smaller municipalities favor younger emergency service participants, while larger ones do not.
Democracy Pledge
Emergency services must now vow their devotion to the liberal-democratic basic order, according to the law. AfD legislator Torsten Czuppon questions how this declaration would be executed. The Thuringian AfD is designated as strictly right-wing extremist and monitored by the state constitution protection.
Green parliamentarian Madeleine Henfling defended the need for emergency responders to represent the liberal-democratic fundamental order, as they are responsible for helping people without discrimination. The FDP also has reservations about the amendment and abstained from voting.
Digitalization Support
Districts and free cities are required to create a centralized service center for addressing digitalization concerns. Thuringia's Interior Minister Georg Maier stated that these changes would position Thuringia as one of the most modern fire and disaster protection laws in Germany.
Raising Assistance Costs
Municipalities can now bill health insurance companies for the expenses incurred during the transportation of obese individuals in medical emergencies by the fire department. This amendment intends to provide a clear legal basis for reimbursement. Communities previously faced challenges when attempting to claim costs for such operations.
Youth Allowance Enhancement
The youth fire department allowance was upgraded from 25 to 50 euros by the parliament. The state distributes this annual allowance to municipalities based on the total number of young people engaged in voluntary firefighting. The revision also includes the provision of allowance payments for the youth organizations of disaster protection.
