Not a general ban on firecrackers: Interior Minister argue about New Year's Eve

Not a general ban on firecrackers: Interior Minister argue about New Year's Eve

Neu-Ulm, Deutschland - In the past few weeks, the discussion about fireworks has taken up speed again at New Year's Eve. During the spring conference of the Interior Minister in Bremerhaven, it became clear that there was no agreement on strict rules for private fireworks. This is reported by Wochenblatt-news.de . Opinions about the tradition of fireworks are shared: for some it is an indispensable part of the New Year's Eve celebrations, while others put the dangers and environmental pollution in the foreground.

Lower Saxony's Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) clearly spoke out against a general ban on firecrackers. In their opinion, there are already sufficient legal options for setting up special prohibition zones, especially with regard to rural areas that require protection for half -timbered houses or buildings with thatched roofs. Behrens emphasizes that the majority of people deal responsibly with fireworks and that it is more important to identify and punish potential “perpetrators”.

set up central fireworks zones required

In contrast, a petition of the Berlin state district of the police union (GdP) calls for a total ban on firecrackers. This petition has already collected over two million signatures and aims to introduce central fireworks zones and to implement sales for private fireworks on New Year's Eve. According to openpetition.de this should not only increase security, but also promote environmental protection and responsible use of traditions.

Environmental and animal welfare organizations also support these claims. Experts report that around 8,000 people suffer injuries to the inner ear annually. These facts underline the need for more safety precautions, such as barriers and medical emergency teams during central fireworks. Environmental protection is also on the agenda: thousands of tons of fireworks waste are produced every year and the fine dust, which is released on New Year's Eve of that days

health and tradition in conflict

Opinions about fireworks are split - a representative survey shows that 60 % of Germans support a complete ban on firecrackers, while 89 % support specific prohibition zones. The main arguments against the firecracker are the noise pollution for humans and animals, the risk of injury and the environmental damage caused by fireworks. In fact, some regions such as Wangerland prefer to offer public, quieter alternatives such as the dyke lights with wax torches and lanterns on New Year's Eve.

opponents of a strict ban, such as Klaus Gotz from the Association of Pyrotechnic Industry, criticize the exaggeration of the dangerous situations caused by fireworks. Andreas Hammerschmidt, a senior doctor, sees the overload of the emergency rooms due to fireworks injuries, but rejects a general ban. "A certain level of fireworks is part of the cultural celebrations on New Year's Eve," says the approach that still applies to many.