Crisis readiness of Germany, allegedly deemed inadequate by the DRC
Gerda Hasselfeldt, President of the German Red Cross, has voiced her concerns about Germany's readiness to handle crisis and disaster situations. In a series of statements to the Funke media group's Sunday newspapers, Hasselfeldt highlighted several deficiencies in the country's civil protection.
Hasselfeldt criticized the lack of consideration for crisis situations in the hospital reform by the former traffic light government. She expressed uncertainty about which clinics will remain open and which will close, potentially leaving the population vulnerable in times of need.
The President of the German Red Cross also emphasized the need for reserves for crisis situations. She maintains that Germany is not prepared to provide care and supplies for more than one to two percent of the population in crisis situations, a worrying statistic given the potential scale of emergencies.
Hasselfeldt sees inadequate equipment and insufficient supply capacities as major deficits in civil protection. She believes that mobile care modules, essential for delivering medical aid in remote or affected areas, are not adequately funded, with no guaranteed funds allocated.
Moreover, Hasselfeldt criticized the lack of overall population resilience as a deficit in civil protection. She believes that there are enormous deficits in the availability of people who can provide care in an emergency.
Recognized aid organizations are not explicitly considered in current budget plans for civil protection, according to Hasselfeldt. She demands significantly more financial resources for civil protection, calling for an annual allocation of 2.5 billion euros—double the current funding.
Hasselfeldt has also criticized the lack of necessary precautionary measures being sufficiently considered so far. She maintains that Germany needs to prepare for armed conflicts and major weather disasters, emphasizing that debates about external security should also consider how the population can be protected within the country.
The German Association of Towns and Municipalities (Deutscher Städtetag) shares Hasselfeldt's concerns. They have demanded 2.5 billion euros annually to improve Germany's preparedness for crises and disasters.
In a more unconventional suggestion, Hasselfeldt suggests using subway stations as shelters instead of building new bunkers. This idea, while innovative, would require careful planning and consideration to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those seeking refuge.
Hasselfeldt's statements serve as a stark reminder of the need for improved civil protection in Germany. As the country continues to navigate various challenges, it is crucial that adequate resources and preparations are in place to protect its citizens in times of crisis.
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