Weather-related destruction - Kenya coalition urges compulsory natural disaster insurance
A coalition of political parties in the state of Brandenburg believe that a compulsory insurance scheme to cover natural disasters, such as the recent floods in southern Germany, is a must. SPD Representative Daniel Keller brought up this point in Potsdam.
Keller advocated for a French-style model, consisting of including natural disasters in building insurance and having a state-run reinsurance. For homeowners, CDU's Jan Redmann also thinks compulsory insurance for natural disasters is a requirement. "The states are in agreement on this." Likewise, Green's Petra Budke emphasis that any such insurance should be affordable to all people.
The Minister President, Dietmar Woidke of the SPD, believes that a mandated insurance for natural disasters is a smart move, but not the only solution. In RBB, Woidke stated: "I personally believe that it may help." He emphasized, though, that at the federal level, measures regarding flooding must be enhanced. Woidke cited dams and dikes as an illustration. "The mere insurance is not enough."
States had called for the federal government, through the Bundesrat, to present a proposal for a federal law on Mandatory Insurance more than a year ago. The working group set up to provide results should do so at a meeting with the Prime Ministers of the States and the Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) in June 20th. The Federal Ministry of Justice, however, is skeptical of a mandatory insurance for natural disasters and cautions about financial hardships for many households.
The situation in Brandenburg is calm at most rivers, but, for the Pegel Ortrand (Oberspreewald-Lausitz) in the Schwarze Elster and the Pulsnitz river basin near the border with Saxony, the level 1 alert is in effect. This suggests that flooding of meadows and adjacent greenery is imminent. On the other hand, for other rivers, there are no flood warnings on Tuesday. In southern Germany, though, the flood situation remains severe with several districts declaring a state of emergency and five casualties so far.
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- In response to the severe flood situation in southern Germany, Dietmar Woidke, the Minister President of Brandenburg, expressed sympathy, emphasizing the need for enhanced measures at the federal level to tackle flooding.
- Jan Redmann, a CDU representative, agrees with the proposed compulsory insurance for natural disasters and believes it is crucial for homeowners, aligning with the broader consensus among the states.
- Petra Budke from the Green party emphasizes the importance of affordability for any such compulsory insurance, ensuring it remains accessible to all people.
- The coalition of political parties in Brandenburg advocates for a French-style model wherein natural disasters are included in building insurance and are covered by a state-run reinsurance.
- The Working Group, set up to provide results, is expected to propose a federal law on Mandatory Insurance at a meeting with Prime Ministers and the Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) in June 20th.
- Storm damage from weather-related natural disasters is a pressing concern, leading many, including Dietmar Woidke and SPD Representative Daniel Keller, to advocate for compulsory insurance to mitigate potential financial hardships.
- RBB reported that Minister President Woidke believes that a mandated insurance for natural disasters could be helpful, though he acknowledges that more comprehensive measures, such as maintaining and upgrading dams and dikes, are necessary.
- Statement from Jan Redmann, a CDU representative, echoes the sentiment that states are in agreement on the requirement for compulsory insurance for natural disasters, including storm damage, emphasizing affordability and accessibility for all people.
