Overview

• At an ecumenical service in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Minister-President Alexander Schweitzer publicly acknowledged government errors in responding to the Ahrtal flood.
• The Greens’ parliamentary faction in Mainz reiterated calls for stronger climate policies and proposed a fund financed by polluters to cover future climate-related damages.
• More than €3 billion has been approved for rebuilding homes, roads and public facilities, though many affected residents still face slow aid disbursements from administrative bodies.
• Local officials warn that financing for 17 planned retention basins remains unresolved, with roughly €2 billion needed to strengthen flood defenses.
• The criminal investigation into former County Commissioner Jürgen Pföhler was closed last year without charges, leaving survivors demanding renewed accountability measures.