Inundation occurs. - Mandatory cover for natural catastrophes is proposed.
NRW's Minister President Hendrik Wüst is calling on Chancellor Olaf Scholz to follow through with his promise for a liability insurance against natural disasters. "Germany seems to be perpetually raining, yet the Chancellor fails to provide a shelter. I expect Scholz to fulfill his promise and establish a liability insurance for natural disasters," Wüst stated to the German Press Agency on Monday.
Furthermore, Wüst argued that these unusual weather patterns we're seeing in Germany will likely become the norm. "The floods in Southern Germany underscore this reality. At the moment, a liability insurance for natural disasters would prove to be the most prudent financial measure."
He went on, "Scholz voiced his support for introducing this as Finance Minister and Chancellor. It's also our political leadership's responsibility and performance assessment, whether Scholz can hold up his end of his commitment when dealing with potential flooding hazards. The states are supportive, the ball is now in the hands of the traffic light coalition. It's high time for the Chancellor to step up and take charge."
The state managers are planning on discussing the potential establishment of a liability insurance for natural disasters with Scholz on June 20. "A liability insurance would not just bring peace of mind to those affected and save them from financial ruin during a disaster. It would also be in the taxpayers' interests, given the massive expenses currently incurred under the existing regulations," Wüst explained. "The current situation in Southern Germany serves as a reminder; we can no longer afford further delays after years of inaction."
Meanwhile, the property owners' union Haus & Grund expresses reservations about a liability insurance for natural disasters. "It won't avert a single calamity," said the association's president Kai Warnecke, offering suggestions to prevent heavy rainfall-related damages. He pointed to building bans in high-risk areas and a mandatory public risk analysis. Despite his reservations, Warnecke considers a natural disaster insurance a wise move. "It would protect against existential financial hardship," he stated.
