The relocation of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier from the aging Bellevue Palace is facing continued delays. Due to the required eight-year renovation of the official residence, Steinmeier must move into a temporary new building located near the main train station.
The required construction phase at the Bellevue grounds, which begins in August, necessitates clearing an area currently occupied by a pond. This pond must be drained, requiring the specialized relocation of its highly protected amphibian population in accordance with species protection regulations. Accordingly, a specialized engineering firm has been organizing the legally mandated transfer of frogs and newts into a larger replacement pond situated behind the castle.
Ideally, this move should coincide with the toad migration period. This migration started in March and has not yet concluded. By mid-April, 118 newts and 39 frogs had successfully moved into their new habitat in the large pond.
The Federal Presidential Office declined to separate the costs associated with the animal relocation, instead grouping them within the overall budget item for “Exterior Facilities and Infrastructure” which stands at 162 million Euros. This total fund covers paths, security systems, geothermal energy installations, logistical planning, and the maintenance of the historic park. Furthermore, Steinmeier’s own move has recently been postponed because the substitute housing near the main train station was not ready on time due to severe winter frost.