Proposal sought by commission concerning legislation that safeguards workers from ionizing radiation dangers.
In the aftermath of the devastating flood disaster that struck Rhineland-Palatinate in July 2021, claiming the lives of 135 individuals, the name of Jürgen Pfoehler, the former Landrat of the Ahrweiler district, continues to be a subject of discussion.
Serving in his position from February 2000 to August 2021, Pfoehler was a familiar figure in the region, having been elected directly several times. However, investigations and statements from helpers have raised concerns about his performance during the crisis.
Allegations of inadequate crisis management and absence during the night of the disaster were levelled against Pfoehler. It was suggested that he failed to adequately fulfill his central tasks as head of civil protection on the evening of the flood. Furthermore, there were claims that he attended to his private property instead of coordinating measures to protect the population.
These allegations led to a criminal investigation by the Koblenz Public Prosecutor's Office, which was initiated in 2022 but discontinued in 2024 as criminally relevant behaviour could not be proven. Disciplinary authorities, however, found "serious breaches of duty" during the catastrophe.
An expert called Pfoehler a "systemic disruptor," citing his repeated unavailability and extended absence during the deployment. The state of emergency was declared very late during the flood, at a time when many people were already in mortal danger.
Despite the discontinuation of the criminal investigation, the name of Jürgen Pfoehler remains inseparable from the events of the flood night for many affected individuals. In 2025, the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of the Interior reduced Pfoehler's pension by a third.
For the affected individuals, the fact that Pfoehler now has to forgo parts of his pension is only a meager consolation. The Investigation Committee 18/1 "Flood Catastrophe" in the Rhineland-Palatinate state parliament continues to investigate the events of that fateful night, with the hope of shedding more light on the role played by key figures like Jürgen Pfoehler.
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