Germany-Liveblog: Deportations and black and red gold AfD Sachsen-Anhalt presents its 100-day program

Germany has seen a growing emphasis on crisis management training among local officials following the devastating floods in the Ahrtal region in 2021, which claimed 135 lives and left hundreds injured. This incident has prompted increased participation in training programs offered by the Federal Academy for Civil Protection and Civil Defense (BABZ) located in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. The academy provides essential knowledge on topics such as emergency water supply and disaster medicine, aiming to improve preparedness for crises and natural disasters. The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (BBK) reported that over 3,656 leaders from federal, state, and municipal levels participated in BABZ training sessions last year. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years, where the number of participants was 2,329 in the prior year and 1,845 in 2022. These figures are not directly comparable due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the flood disaster itself. The BABZ, situated in the heart of the Ahrtal region, was largely spared from the flood's effects despite its elevated location. However, the surrounding area suffered extensive damage, making normal operations initially impossible after the disaster. Immediately following the catastrophe, the academy made its facilities available to the Technical Emergency Command (TEL) of the Ahrweiler district, highlighting its role in supporting regional response efforts. In Germany, the responsibility for civil protection lies primarily with the states and municipalities. They can request support from the federal government, including assistance from the Federal Police or the Bundeswehr, during acute disaster situations. The federal government, however, is responsible for protecting citizens in cases of tension or defense scenarios. Participation in BABZ training sessions remains voluntary for those involved in crisis management. The Greens have proposed turning civil and disaster protection into a joint task for both the federal government and the states through legislative changes. From their perspective, the federal government could mandate compulsory training for mayors, district administrators, and members of administrative and crisis committees under its jurisdiction for civil defense. Green MP Leon Eckert emphasized that effective crisis management occurs locally, and therefore, those in charge must know how to act in emergencies. In June, the conference of interior ministers from the federal government and the states decided which officials should receive training in crisis management, including areas related to civil defense and civil protection. According to the federal government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry by the Greens faction, appropriate training and education opportunities for these target groups must be ensured by both the federal government and the states. Based on this decision, the BABZ plans to increase the number of seminars from approximately 170 per year to around 700 by 2029, aiming to meet the required capacities within the federal government’s responsibilities. Additionally, the German Red Cross (THW) will also expand its training capacity. The federal government further notes that uniform standards for mayors, district administrators, and members of administrative and crisis committees regarding civil protection have been defined nationwide as mandatory. Although the federal government does not have direct responsibility for disaster relief, it emphasizes the importance of ensuring that officials understand what actions are necessary in actual emergencies. These target groups should undergo training at least every six years.