The Taxpayers’ Association urges that evacuation flights from the Gulf region be financed in a “fair” manner. President Reiner Holznagel told the “Rheinische Post” on Saturday that while it is clear the state must step in in such situations, the people affected must also understand that they should share part of the cost to keep the burden distribution equitable.
He added that tour operators also have to be held accountable: they received payment when the flights were booked to organise return journeys that are now cancelled. “Ultimately what matters is that Germany helps and that our citizens return to safe ground as quickly as possible” he said.
Holznagel pointed out that the same approach has been applied in previous repatriations. When concerns of imbalance arose, we asked for clarification. The state has never issued a “turnkey” package – travellers have always borne part of the expense.
In closing, he stressed the importance of transparency. Many watch evacuation operations with confusion, so the government must make it clear that nothing is occurring at zero cost.