Nationwide warning day: Interior Minister draws positive conclusions

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt drew a positive conclusion from the sixth nationwide warning day. “Our warning systems work reliably, reach our population in a variety of ways and are an important part of our efficient civil protection,” explained the CSU politician in an initial assessment.

During a Germany-wide test alarm, people received warning messages on cell phones and tablets at 11 a.m., which made loud alarm tones. Sirens wailed in many places; The population was also informed via television, radio and digital display boards. 45 minutes later – as planned – the official all-clear came.

The authorities wanted to use this method to test whether they could easily reach the population in an emergency - for example in the event of a natural disaster or a military attack on the Federal Republic. Citizens can share their personal experiences with Warning Day on the website warntag-umfrage.de.

Justice Minister Hubig has to interrupt her speech

The warning apps did not stop at the budget discussions in the Bundestag: Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD), who was presenting the key figures of her budget at that moment, had to briefly interrupt her speech. Bundestag Vice President Andrea Lindholz (CSU) then stopped her speaking time and asked those present to turn off their cell phones. About 35 seconds later there was silence again.

The trial surrounding the violent death of little Fabian from Güstrow was also briefly stopped. The judge interrupted the hearing shortly before 11 a.m., before cell phones could start ringing at the Rostock regional court.

So much went wrong when the warning day premiered in September 2020 that the test alarm was suspended for a year. The Germany-wide test alarm has taken place once a year since 2022.