Serving Up Support: State Assesses Aid for Businesses After Tragedy
Companies recompensed for losses incurred during assault - Evaluating Compensation for Businesses Through Estimation
Hey there! Wanna hear about a bummer? The kibosh on Christmas cheer in Magdeburg last year, thanks to an uninvited visitor in the form of a vehicle. But here's the silver lining - the state of Saxony-Anhalt is mulling over financial aid for the poor vendors who suffered losses from the Christmas market debacle.
Stalls owners who took a hit from the incôŘidencie accident have submitted 58 claims for so-called ex-gratia payments, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economics confirms. They're working to wrap things up by the end of August, making decisions one by one.
What's in it for them, you ask? Principally, they're looking at payouts to cover personal expenses and lease payments after the attack. After a thorough review of all claims, the amount will be determined.
Speaking of Magdeburg's city council, they're not resting on their laurels either. Several factions are pushing for aid, with a motion calling on the mayor, Simone Borris, to assess appropriate compensation. The initial plan, reimbursing a proportional stall fee for missing eight days and offering partial reimbursement for spoiled or unsold goods, ain't cutting it. Why? They're looking at losses comparable to those suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Board of Directors of Stocked Stalls (think that makes sense?) is estimate they're looking at gross losses of roughly EUR 2,000,000—big bucks when you consider those last days before Santa came to town are usually the most productive. The motion was backed by, among others, SPD, CDU, FDP, Greens, Volt, Animal Protection Alliance, and Animal Protection Party.
As you might imagine, the city council is also having a go at discussing financial support for the unfortunate stall operators this week.
The incident unfolded like this: A fellow from Saudi Arabia took a turn for the worse when he decided to drive his car through the lively Magdeburg Christmas market. Six unfortunate souls lost their lives, and approximately 300 others were injured, some severely. The season of joy was abruptly cut short.
- Magdeburg Christmas Market
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Financial Aid
Sources:
- "Sachsen-Anhalt: Hochschulen verleihen an Corona-Betroffene Straßenneuanmeldungsgebühren" (Saxony-Anhalt: Universities waive admission fees for Corona-affected students) [German language] ( URL ).
- "Magdeburg: Erste Ankündigung wegen Ausfallkompensation für den Magdeburger Weihnachtsmarkt" (Magdeburg: First announcement regarding compensation for the Magdeburg Christmas market) [German language] ( URL ).
- In response to the loss and injuries from the Magdeburg Christmas market tragedy, the government of Saxony-Anhalt is considering providing financial aid to the affected vendors, which includes vocational training programs to help them recover and reintegrate back into the business community.
- The city council of Magdeburg, acknowledging the extensive financial losses suffered by the Christmas market stall operators, is discussing the implementation of a comprehensive general-news policy that would include assistance with lease payments, personal expenses, and potentially vocational training for those affected by the crime-and-justice incident.
