The Czech Chamber of Deputies successfully passed a law on Tuesday to aid those affected by the September floods. The government approved the legislation in a state of legislative emergency, expediting the process to provide financial assistance to thousands of families in the Olomouc and Moravian-Silesian regions.
One such individual awaiting aid is Romana Hermanová from Nová Ves near Ostrava. The flood completely destroyed her home, which is now slated for demolition. Tearfully, Mrs. Hermanová expresses, „This week, a bulldozer is supposed to come and take away this beautiful little house of mine, essentially stripping it from me.“ She now resides in a rented apartment with her three daughters.
Similarly impacted is craftsman Mr. Balarin, who also lost his home with his family. „We are rebuilding, trying our best. I already have to think about where I will get ten thousand for social and health insurance,“ he laments.
Members of both the coalition and opposition parties surprisingly united in their efforts to swiftly provide assistance. Prior to the session, the opposition even declared their intention not to delay the process. „We will certainly not speak at length; we want the entire session to proceed quickly this week in a normal regime,“ stated Deputy Chairman of the ANO parliamentary group, Aleš Juchelka.
However, at the start of the Chamber’s session, the proceedings took a different turn. The lectern was first occupied by ANO leader Andrej Babiš, followed by SPD Chairman Tomio Okamura. Pirate Party member Jakub Michálek also joined in. Meanwhile, thousands of families are in urgent need of financial support.
„The proposed financial assistance is for temporary alternative accommodation up to 24,000 crowns per month depending on the number of individuals until the end of March 2025,“ stated MP Michaela Šebelová (STAN). Additional funds are allocated for parents of children whose schools were closed due to the flood, including sick pay. The government will also aid individuals facing high costs for drying out flooded homes.
In conclusion, the swift passage of this law demonstrates a rare moment of unity among political parties in the Czech Chamber of Deputies. The focus now shifts to the effective implementation of these measures to provide much-needed relief to those affected by the devastating September floods.