G7 summit at Schloss Elmau is getting closer

Created: 05/13/2022, 09:32

By: Franziska Pavel

Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann also took part in the public information event.

Together they wanted to take away the fears and worries that had built up in view of the upcoming summit meeting in June.

© Thomas Very

District – The election for the G7 summit is “an honor and a task at the same time”, District Administrator Anton Speer made clear at the public information event in the Bayernhalle Garmisch.

Circumstances are different from the 2015 summit, which went down in history as "the most peaceful summit ever".

And yet those responsible are looking forward to the big event with confidence.

The first mayor Elisabeth Koch admits that she was also very skeptical after the announcement of the venue in December 2021.

The situation in the world has changed enormously since then.

On Nonsensical Thursday, which was still being wildly celebrated in Werdenfelser Land, the war of aggression against Ukraine began.

Koch now sees the summit as an opportunity and hopes that the talks, surrounded by our wonderful nature, will “consolidate the solidarity further.” The war in Ukraine is not the only reason for different circumstances than they were in 2015.

The Corona crisis, the climate crisis and the wave of refugees, which was just beginning in 2015, also pose challenges. It must also be considered that in addition to the summit, another major event is taking place this time with the Passion Play in the district.

Overcoming all these challenges requires a lot of work, most of which takes place in the background.

District Administrator Speer thanks the many volunteers in particular, because "without them some things would be more difficult or not possible at all".

And "what would we be without the police", which is now part of the townscape.

All communities are pulling together, because this is the only way for the summit days to be peaceful again.

Should damage nevertheless occur, which may be caused by G7 opponents and demonstrators, the district office is responsible for settling the damage.

And Speer guarantees that "we can please everyone".

The main topic at the summit will be the Ukraine war.

In addition, the points of climate protection, economy, "healthy life" and "strong togetherness" are discussed.

Police citizen service offerings are being expanded

Steffen Hebestreit, spokesman for the federal government, is aware that the summit days will bring restrictions.

But he points to the value of a personal encounter, which we all now appreciate.

Despite all the planning and experience from 2015, it cannot be ruled out that things will not go so smoothly.

That is why around 1,200 officials are on site in the event region.

They are well prepared to ensure a peaceful and safe summit, assures Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann.

During the question and answer session that followed, there were only a few requests to speak.

The focus was on the fear that shops, house walls or meadows could be affected.

Herrmann once again gave the all clear that if, despite all the precautions, there were damage due to the summit, no one would be left with their losses.

The federal government has concluded a special insurance policy with the insurance industry for this purpose.

This applies if the citizens' own insurance does not offer sufficient protection.

In addition, the Free State of Bavaria also compensates for damage caused by the summit, particularly in the area of ​​agriculture.

As in 2015, a damage compensation office will again be set up for citizens as an on-site service.

Manfred Hauser, chief of police for Oberbayern Süd, informed about possible restrictions during G7.

© FOTOPRESS THOMAS VERY

Police President Manfred Hauser makes it clear: "In the event of acts of violence, we will intervene quickly and will not hesitate to stop them as soon as they begin!" To ensure that the safety standard can be maintained at a high level, controls must be carried out on all access and exit routes.

There will also be road closures that are limited to the summit days.

So you should plan more time if you want to go somewhere.

But the controls will not focus on obvious locals and commuters.

In order for the short check to go smoothly, it is important to have a valid ID document with you.

If you have any further questions, you can currently contact the police hotline.

The Bavarian police will significantly expand their citizen service offer from May 16, announced police chief Hauser.

The experienced police officers will then be available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., from the beginning of June until 10 p.m. and from 17 June even around the clock.

In addition, two police offices in the municipality of Krün and in the market town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen will also start operating on May 16.

The Bavarian police will then be available on site on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to answer questions about police operations.

The opening hours will be extended again in mid-June.

Infomobiles will supplement this service from 30 June.

May and also head for other communities in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and beyond according to a fixed timetable.

The respective locations will be announced in good time.

"We'll manage that again this time!"

Minister of State Joachim Herrmann 

Minister of State Joachim Herrmann looks calmly to the future: "We'll manage that again this time!"