Germany’s GdP police union and the German Medical Association were among those on Tuesday calling for a nationwide ban on private fireworks ahead of the New Year celebrations.
Although the start of fireworks is only legal during a limited number of hours at night of the year on New Year’s day, many cases of status quo have already been reported recklessly.
In years, the celebrations have been overshadowed several times through riots and attacks, with thousands of police and paramedics deployed across the country.
While the president of GDP, Jochen Kopelke said he favored a prohibition, he also admitted that the political will seemed to be there.
“We need more injured people,” Kopelke told German broadcaster ARD on Tuesday. “We need more emergency rooms that say: ‘We are overloaded’.”
“Every year, GDP requires a ban on fireworks. Every year, the Federal Ministry of the Interior rejects a replacement in the Explosives Act and pushes the duty before the interior ministers who have reacted in the component and established prohibition zones in safe areas. “
The police union president said he believed that such ban zones were not very effective, with confusion about how the rules applied.
Berlin police union spokesman Benjamin Jendro said that centrally arranged fireworks may just supply a more secure choice to personal displays.
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“The fireworks belong to the hands of other people who know what they do, that is, firefighters and other qualified people. If other people do not need to make fireworks without fire, then we offer them more arranged events. “
German Medical Association President Klaus Reinhardt said the incorrect, negligent, and alcohol-impaired use of fireworks could cause serious injuries, putting a strain on already-busy emergency rooms.
Ahead of the New Year, he agreed that organized displays were preferable.
“Nobody wants to deprive people of the opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style,” said Reinhardt. “You don’t need gunpowder for a nice New Year. It’s time to establish new New Year’s Eve traditions in order to start the new year peacefully and safely.”
Karl-Heinz Banse, president of the German Fire Brigade Association, rejected calls for a nationwide ban but told the DPA news agency that stricter rules could be put in place.
“I’m all for those who say fireworks are only set off where it’s not dangerous,” he said, adding that a ban might be desirable near homes or buildings with thatched roofs.
RC/WD (DPA, EPD, KNA)