By Andreas Kißler
BERLIN (Dow Jones)–Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) announced “solidarity” decisions in the discussion about suspending the debt brake due to the flood situation, but these would only be made after the current situation has ended. “From my point of view, it is now right that we do what needs to be done now, and that is that we try in solidarity to prevent the greatest catastrophe,” said Scholz in response to a question during a visit to the flood area in Saxony-Anhalt. “And afterwards we will have to look at how extensive the damage is and what that means and then draw our conclusions from that.”
“Of course, this is not just a sign of solidarity that we are experiencing now, but this spirit of solidarity will also apply afterwards,” emphasized Scholz. “We will not leave anyone alone. This applies to the federal government, this applies to the states and to many others together.” It is clear that this can only be done together, “and this must also be done in solidarity in Germany,” emphasized the Chancellor. “We will then make the decision intensively on site between the federal and state governments when the time comes.”
It is important “that we are prepared and stay prepared.” After the flooding has ended, it will be necessary to examine carefully how preparations everywhere in Germany could be improved with regard to the infrastructure and defense options against such natural events. Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) said that in the medium and long term there must be agreement between municipalities, states and the federal government on how to better prepare for such events. “The water needs space, that can be seen here first hand and that is a medium and long-term task that we will also tackle from the federal government,” she announced.
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
January 04, 2024 08:54 ET (13:54 GMT)