Five years after the devastating flood disaster in the Ahrtal region, Minister President Gordon Schnieder (CDU) admitted that the state had failed and offered an apology to those affected. Speaking at a memorial event in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler on Tuesday, Schnieder stated that the state had not upheld its promise to protect its citizens. He emphasized that “fallibility” was the factor that led to the Ahrtal being unprepared for such a catastrophe. Despite this admission, the Minister President pledged continued support for the region, covering both psycho-social aid and the visible effort of reconstruction.
Schnieder joined Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Deputy Minister President Sabine Bätzing-Lichtenthäler (SPD) to receive updates on the rebuilding progress in the Kurpark. During the visit, he spoke with young volunteers and local business owners. At the subsequent public memorial service, the group commemorated the 136 victims in Rhineland-Palatinate. Chancellor Merz praised the unconditional willingness to help and the community spirit that the disaster had fostered. “In Germany, we extend hands to help each other-and move forward together,” Merz remarked.
Local Mayor Pascal Rowald opened the event with a welcoming address and a moment of silence. He expressed gratitude for the continuous support from the local council, the state, and the federal government. Deputy Minister President Bätzing-Lichtenthäler honored the rescue workers as “true heroes of this flood.” Furthermore, Reconstruction Coordinator Vanessa Fischer provided a positive interim assessment, confirming that bridges are once again usable, houses have been rebuilt, and businesses are back on the market. Fischer added, “We are not just rebuilding; we are building an Ahrtal that is equipped for the future.”
