Skepticism for inner ministers: Who stops the New Year's Eve fireworks?

Skepticism for inner ministers: Who stops the New Year's Eve fireworks?

These days, everything revolves around the question of whether there should be a comprehensive ban on firecrackers on New Year's Eve. At the current Interior Ministers' Conference in Bremerhaven, which took place from June 11th to 13th, the proposal to impose further restrictions met with further restrictions. According to PZ-News , the round of the interior of the federal government and countries could not agree on an all-encompassing regulation.

Especially the topic of the design scope for authorities when dealing with New Year's fireworks was the focus of the discussions. While countries such as Berlin, Bremen and Hamburg are calling for more freedom, there are resistance from some other federal states. Lower Saxony's Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) clearly spoke out against a general ban on firecrackers. In their opinion, the current legal options for setting up prohibition zones are sufficient to ensure the responsible use of fireworks.

background of the claims

The debate was re -lived by tragic events around the turn of the year 2024/2025, in which five people lost their lives in firecrackers and numerous injuries were complained about. The Berlin state district of the police union (GdP) has started a petition for a ban on firecrackers, which has collected over two million signatures. Animal rights activists and organizations such as German environmental aid have also brought their concerns to request a ban. In conversations with the Federal Ministry of the Interior, such as Bututenunbinnen , a possible tightening of the explosive regulation has been discussed, although no clear course has yet been set.

"It is important to identify and punish perpetrators, attack the police or fire brigade," emphasized Behrens. She points out that 98 percent of people who celebrate do this peacefully. Opponents of a ban on firecrackers argue that existing regulations are sufficient and that a change in the Sprensing Act is not justified. In order to create a general ban on firecrackers, extensive legal changes would be necessary, which encounter resistance primarily by CDU-led countries.

legal aspects and possible effects

The topic is also intensively discussed on the legal side. The explosive law allows fireworks on New Year's Eve and New Year, while on other days only special permits may be blown up. Changes could only be made by adjustments in the first ordinance on the Sprensing Act, for which the Federal Ministry of the Interior is entitled. However, a spokeswoman for the ministry has made it clear that a general firing ban would be "not proportionate", which would raise doubts about prohibitions.

Citizens could potentially have a ban on firecrackers checked in court, so that the state regulations are legally contestable. This could also be fundamental rights, such as freedom of action. In a society that strongly adheres to tradition, such as the silvester use through fireworks, a careful balance between tradition and protection of health and the environment must be sought, as can be seen from the analyzes of Tagesschau

This will remain exciting in the coming weeks. While some advocate more restrictions, others rely on the responsible handling of citizens and sufficient existing legal situations. This holiday tradition could continue to bring heat to the political debate.