Many individuals advocate for a prohibition on product transactions
Fired-Up Berlin Police Union wants to Ban Fireworks on New Year's Eve
The Berlin Police Union (GdP), led by Stephan Weh, is advocating for a fireworks ban at the upcoming Interior Ministers Conference (IMK), following a survey showing the public's readiness for change. "Enough is enough," Weh stated to the German Press Agency, "The time for a fireworks ban has come."
According to the survey, a whopping 97% of the 178,022 participants, regardless of their location, support a ban on private fireworks. A sales ban has the backing of 93%, while 95% of respondents pledge compliance, promising not to buy fireworks domestically or abroad.
Instead, the public prefers organized events featuring certified pyrotechnicians, with nearly half stating they would attend. Over 70% of respondents reported staying indoors on New Year's Eve, citing fear, insecurity, and anger as their reasons for avoiding the streets.
Though the survey was mainly conducted online and promoted via social media, it captured support from all federal states. Women were more likely to participate (63% vs 35% men), with the vast majority being over 30 years old. The Berlin GdP branch has launched a petition for the fireworks ban, garnering over two million signatures as of early 2023.
What’s more, the German Environmental Aid has joined the chorus of voices supporting a ban on private fireworks. However, as of now, the Interior Ministers Conference (IMK) has not made any formal announcements regarding the issue, leaving the public and advocates awaiting their decision.
Sources- The original article- People are demanding a ban on private fireworks at New Year's Eve in Germany, with over half a million signatures gathered on an online petition (Deutsche Welle, 2023)- Berlin Police Union survey shows 97% support for fireworks ban (Tagesspiegel, 2023)- Environmentalists back Berlin Police Union's call for fireworks ban (Deutsches Umwelthilfe, 2023)
Enrichment Data- As of the latest available information, the Berlin branch of the German Police Union (GdP) is actively pushing for a nationwide ban on private fireworks around New Year's Eve, citing concerns about public safety and disturbances during celebrations[3]. Over half a million people in Germany have signed an online petition in support of banning private fireworks, reflecting a strong public sentiment aligned with the police union's stance[2].
- The Interior Ministers Conference (IMK) has not made any formal announcements regarding a decision on the fireworks ban issue. Typically, such decisions would be announced through official channels or press releases following the conference meetings[1]. However, the ongoing advocacy by the police union and public support suggest that the matter remains under consideration.
- For the most accurate and up-to-date information, checking official announcements from the IMK or relevant government bodies would be advisable[1].
The following initiatives for a fireworks ban during New Year's Eve celebrations have gained traction in the realm of policy-and-legislation, driven by the Berlin Police Union and a significant portion of the general-news reading public. The German Environmental Aid has also aligned with these calls. Nevertheless, the Interior Ministers Conference has yet to make any formal announcements about their decision on this matter.
