Scandal in the Ahr Valley: Ebling and Pföhler in the crossfire of allegations!

Scandal in the Ahr Valley: Ebling and Pföhler in the crossfire of allegations!

In recent days, significant allegations have been made against the Rhineland-Palatinate Interior Minister Michael Ebling and his predecessor, the former Interior Minister Roger Lewentz. The discussion revolves around disciplinary proceedings against former district administrator Dr. Jürgen Pföhler, which is in the context of the devastating flood disaster in the Ahr Valley in July 2021. This reports blick-current.

The preliminary investigation report shows Pföhler's serious breaches of duty, which are classified as "omissions and behavior" before, during and after the natural disaster. Interior Minister Ebling explained that there was no flood alarm and response plan in the Ahrweiler district during the relevant period. However, this fact does not appear in the Interior Ministry's report, which primarily highlights Pföhler's responsibility. The report is criticized by many as not objective and politically exploited, while Pföhler's lawyer, Olaf Langhanki, describes the allegations as unfounded.

Reactions and demands for consequences

According to the Interior Ministry's plans, a third of Pföhler's pension should be temporarily withheld, with the aim of completely withdrawing his civil service pension. Relatives of flood victims have also spoken out and are calling for a comprehensive criminal investigation into the events. Ralph Orth, whose daughter died during the flood, emphasizes the need for consequences and timely warning in future disasters. It is a long overdue signal, was his appeal.

The disciplinary proceedings were initiated by the Trier Supervision and Services Directorate (ADD) in August 2021, but had to be suspended due to criminal investigations. After it ended in April 2024, the process was resumed. Ebling is seen as hypocritical because he wants to distract attention from the state government's failings. The Interior Ministry's omissions regarding inadequate equipment, such as the lack of police helicopters with rescue winches, are also a central issue.

A look back at the flood disaster

The flood disaster in the Ahr Valley is considered one of the worst natural disasters in Germany, in which a total of 135 people lost their lives. The mayor of Altenahr at the time, Cornelia Weigand, who now acts as district administrator, learned lessons from the tragic events. She announced measures to improve disaster protection and sustainable reconstruction.

The key measures include a water restoration concept to widen the riverbed and the construction of digital sirens to warn of floods in good time. Weigand is also planning to set up an information center about flood and disaster protection in the Ahr Valley in order to better prepare the population. Experts emphasize that the successful handling of future disasters will depend largely on political and administrative handling in the coming years.

But even if the discussion about Pföhler and the disciplinary procedure is the focus for many, the reform of disaster control in Rhineland-Palatinate is long overdue. How swr.de As a result, a new law is being drawn up that will require municipalities to regularly update their alarm and operational plans.

It remains to be seen whether the announced measures will be sufficient to prevent future disasters. The need for strategic reforms in civil protection and raising public awareness are essential in order to better manage the risks. The events surrounding the flood in the Ahr Valley should serve as a reminder that quick action and lasting changes in administration are required. Because security cannot be put off for a long time, especially when it concerns the well-being of people.