Who knew what and when?
Who didn't warn whom in time or ignored these warnings?
Who reacted too late and then covered up their omissions?
After catastrophes, the deadly extent of which those responsible in politics and administration could have at least limited if they acted quickly, the question of guilt justifiably arises.
In politics, where appearances are often more important than taking on responsibility, this dispute is often cynically disguised as a "blame game".
In the early morning of July 15, 2021, when it became clear after the night of flooding in the Ahr Valley that the partially unsuspecting Rhineland-Palatinate state government had reacted with (too) much delay, then Environment Minister Anne Spiegel was apparently concerned above all about her image .
At least that's what the SMS between Spiegel and her press spokesman, which the investigative committee of the state parliament has submitted, suggest.
It also seems clear that Spiegel's ministry misjudged the risk of extreme heavy rain before the flood.
There were no warnings to the population to get to safety.
Whether the Greens politician, who is now Federal Minister for Family Affairs, survives the coming to terms with that night politically also depends on her.
Pointing the finger at others will not be enough.