Saxony: Milbradt: Flood disaster in 2002 followed by an economic stimulus package

Dresden (dpa / sn) - In retrospect, ex-Prime Minister Georg Milbradt (CDU) saw a lot of new things emerge during the reconstruction after the flood of the century in Saxony in 2002.

Saxony: Milbradt: Flood disaster in 2002 followed by an economic stimulus package

Dresden (dpa / sn) - In retrospect, ex-Prime Minister Georg Milbradt (CDU) saw a lot of new things emerge during the reconstruction after the flood of the century in Saxony in 2002. The money from the aid fund set up by the federal government to repair damage led to an economic stimulus program "in the course of which old became new," said the 77-year-old on Saturday, 20 years later. At that time he was head of government for a few months and suddenly flood manager. "Disaster is always a matter for the boss."

In view of the many destroyed railway lines, bridges and roads, Milbradt took the opportunity to create a modern infrastructure. With a few exceptions, considerable damage to the economy was avoided - also thanks to the commitment of the employees and companies themselves. On the other hand, the personal damage to the citizens could have been largely compensated. "Overall, looking back, one can say: after four or five years, the damage was largely repaired."

According to Milbradt, the images of the catastrophe that went around the world were helpful in making the extent of the damage clear beyond Saxony. "It was an enormous sum that we couldn't raise alone," he said. So support came very early on at Berlin level and there were "no big debates about setting up an aid fund". And then a great willingness to help broke out in the population of the country, but also in all of Germany.

According to Milbradt, the yellow rubber boots, in which he led Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (SPD) through the devastated Grimma, were auctioned off in favor of the aid fund. "They only exist in the pictures." One consequence must be "that everyone reinsures themselves". You can't drive a car without taking out insurance. "I have to say that anyone who owns a house is obliged to insure themselves." The general public cannot pay for these things.