Political Leader - Söder proposes 100 million euros for flood relief efforts.
Following the recent flood catastrophe in various areas of Bavaria, the state administration intends to allocate a minimum of 100 million euros in economic assistance to those affected. This statement was made by Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) on Tuesday during a cabinet session in Munich. The financial assistance will assist not only households but also businesses, the self-employed, and farmers. The initial funds are set to be released this week.
"Bavaria assists quickly and efficiently," stated Söder. "We leave no one in distress." The Prime Minister also urged the federal government to honor its commitments and supply support for flood relief. He anticipates that the federal government will contribute half the cost for the aid program.
For personal households, the government offers up to 5,000 euros in emergency funding for damages, while up to 10,000 euros is available for oil damage in residential structures - with insurance payouts subtracted at the end. If the affected were not covered by insurance, the monetary assistance would be cut in half. The offices of the district administration will handle applications and payments.
Businesses and self-employed individuals can request up to 200,000 euros in emergency financial aid, while agricultural enterprises can claim up to 50,000 euros. When it comes to damages that are not insured, recipients would receive half their costs reimbursed, and 25% for damages that are insured. The district administration offices will be in charge of receiving requests from businesses, while the offices for nutrition, agriculture, and forestry will handle coverage for agricultural enterprises.
In instances where the flood has driven someone into an existential crisis, both private households, businesses, self-employed individuals, and farmers may receive full coverage for damages in extreme circumstances: In these exceptional cases, rescue funds are available.
Financial relief can also be achieved through tax savings, including special depreciation, postponements, and lesser advance payments.
Finance Minister Albert Füracker (CSU) mentioned that the funds will be disbursed "within the limits of a notary's authorization including the Bavarian Parliament." This decision is expected to be reached during the upcoming budget discussions in the Bavarian Parliament this week.
"Many existences have been partially or significantly harmed. Severe economic damages are to be expected," said Söder. He defended the decision to establish another aid program, articulating that it would be "cold and inappropriate" if the state failed to offer support now. "I don't find that appropriate for the protective mandate of a state," he added. He reiterated his demand for a statutory disaster insurance: The states are unanimously in favor, so there's an urgent appeal to the federal government.
The government shares in the suffering of the affected, emphasized Söder. "Their suffering is also our suffering." The cabinet observed a minute of silence for the three victims who have been confirmed at the beginning of the meeting on Tuesday. There were still people missing on Tuesday. In Regensburg and Passau, the highest Danube water levels were predicted. Söder expressed optimism, stating, "We hope to survive the next two days well." "And we simply expect to have endured everything by the end of the week."
However, Söder strongly contested the assertion that the state government had previously ignored flood protection and cut funding. "That's fake news," he said. "Nothing has been cut in flood protection; instead, it has been increased. Since 2001, we have invested four billion euros in flood protection, and another two billion will be invested by 2030." He also highlighted the continuation of the polder strategy, noting that there are "discussions on location," including resistance from Free Voters' leader and Economic Minister Hubert Aiwanger against several flood polder projects on the Danube. This resistance, according to Söder, has not resulted in delays in the overall planning.
Environment Minister Thorsten Glauber (Free Voters) likewise remarked that the amounts invested in flood protection in Bavaria have been on the rise for years. On the other hand, he commented on the cuts in the national flood protection program.
During the session of the state parliament, Landtag President Ilse Aigner (CSU) applauded the emergency personnel (60,000 strong) who put up a fight against the floods in recent days and continue to do so. "Without these folks who are battling, our country, our society would not be viable," she said - and also referenced the deceased: "We are concerned about the missing and mourn with the families of the victims."
Read also:
- In response to the widespread flood disaster in Bavaria, there's a call for Germany's federal government to provide half the cost for the flood relief aid package, as proposed by Prime Minister Markus Söder.
- Bavaria's State Government, led by CSU's Söder, has proposed an emergency aid package of 100 million euros for households, businesses, self-employed individuals, and farmers affected by the recent flood.
- Climate change and extreme weather events, such as the recent storm, are contributing factors to the increased frequency and severity of flood disasters, as acknowledged by various political leaders, including Markus Söder.
- During a cabinet session in Munich, Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder urged for immediate flood protection measures to mitigate the impact of future storms and floods.
- The city of Munich, situated in Bavaria, has been one of the areas heavily impacted by the recent flood disaster, with several residents and businesses requiring flood protection and financial aid.
- Berlin, the federal capital of Germany, has expressed its support for Bavaria's efforts to address the flood disaster, with the federal government pledging to contribute half the cost of the proposed aid package.
- The state government in Berlin and the CSU in Bavaria have been collaborating on flood protection initiatives, recognizing the importance of collective efforts to combat climate change-induced weather events and ensuring adequate flood protection measures in at-risk areas.
