SPD Interior Ministers and Senators representing the SPD and various federal states are demanding that the Federal Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), increase the federal government’s involvement in civil protection and provide greater financial subsidies to the states.
During statements to the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland”, the ministers criticized the current focus, urging that the issue of public safety and disaster management needs equal attention to migration. According to Thuringia’s Interior Minister, Georg Maier, merely supporting the Federal Volunteer Forces (THW) and associated organizations is insufficient. He emphasized that a comprehensive concept is required, including dedicated federal funding for both aid organizations and the states so that they can fulfill their duties effectively.
Other regional leaders echoed these concerns regarding the federal responsibility. Daniela Behrens, Interior Minister of Lower Saxony, stated that the states have repeatedly called on the federal government over the past years to develop a civil protection strategy that meets current threats. She stressed that insufficient progress has been made and noted that while the states are doing everything within their power regarding disaster protection, the responsibility for civil protection remains with the federal government.
Speaking on behalf of Bremen’s Interior Senator, Eva Högl, a press spokesperson stressed the expectation that the federal government must bring the states to the negotiating table. They pointed to the upcoming Interior Ministers Conference in Hamburg, scheduled for June 17-19, as the appropriate setting for these crucial discussions.
It is noted that Dobrindt has announced a plan aimed at strengthening civil protection and intends to present this concept on Wednesday.
