Fire in Crans-Montana: Federal Council pledges support to victims and their families

In the days and weeks following the devastating fire in Crans-Montana, those affected need to receive the necessary support quickly and easily. This support is provided by the cantonal victim support centres under the emergency assistance plan, based on the Victim Support Act (VSA). Those affected receive financial benefits for themselves and close family members, for example to cover hotel costs, costs arising from new housing situations at home and abroad, costs arising from any uncovered medical services, financing of health insurance deductibles and medical transport costs. In addition to immediate financial assistance, those affected also receive individual counselling. The Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) is in close contact with the cantonal authorities in this regard.

While the VSA covers immediate support, it is unclear whether the current insurance and victim support system is sufficient to cope with a disaster of this magnitude. It is already becoming apparent that clarifying the financial aspects will be very time-consuming and legally complex.

The Federal Council today stated that victims and their families can count on the support of the federal government. No one should fall through the net of existing support services. At its meeting on 14 January, the Federal Council therefore decided that it was prepared to request funding from Parliament, if necessary, to support the victims and their families.

The FDJP will work with the Federal department of Home Affairs (FDHA) and the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) to examine by the end of February how and under what conditions federal funds can be used. The next steps will depend on the needs of those affected, the level of support on the part of the insurance companies and the measures planned by the Valais authorities. The federal government's contributions would be of a supplementary nature.

The immediate task is to analyse whether there are gaps in the existing provisions of support services and how these gaps can be closed. This will be based on an analysis of the benefits provided by health and accident insurance schemes and victim support services.