Police union in Berlin advocates for prohibition of bullfighting events.
Ban on Fireworks Gaining Momentum Across GermanyAmidst the clamor for a safer, calmer New Year's Eve, a firework ban is seemingly on the horizon. According to a recent survey by the Police Union (GdP), a staggering 97% of respondents favor a ban on private fireworks, primarily due to environmental and animal welfare concerns, alongside safety fears.
Fireworks Folly: Germans Speak Out
Berlin, January 27, 2025
The survey revealed that 70% of respondents would forgo stepping out on New Year's Eve, while 93% staunchly oppose firework sales, pledging not to purchase domestically, overseas, or online. remarkably, 91% prefer certified, organized events for pyrotechnics.
The respondents' demographics exhibited a female-heavy skew (nearly 2/3) and a predominantly over-30 age group (85%). Notably, 20% inhabited metropolitan territories, while 24% resided in cities exceeding 100,000 residents, with a further 19% hailing from villages and communities count fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.
A National Trend, Not Just a Berlin Phenomenon
The survey also uncovered that the younger age group under 18 tends to oppose fireworks bans. However, support escalates with age, with only a minor faction against the bans after the age of 40.
Stephan Weh, GdP head, asserted that the survey "breaks down all half-truths." He emphasized that it's not just the metropolis where sentiment favors change, but the entire nation, as well as every age group. The chaotic and fear-inducing nature of the festivities left a sour taste for many, with safety and public order at the forefront of concerns.
As per the GdP, an online petition advocating for a nationwide firework ban has amassed a remarkable 2,093,557 signatures. Both the safety concerns and the public's desire for change will undoubtedly weigh heavily on upcoming discussions at the Interior Ministers' Conference in Bremerhaven, slated for June 11-13.
The Push for a Safer, Greener New Year's Eve
The burgeoning support for a firework ban stems from growing worries about safety, public disturbance, and environmental impact. With accidents, injuries, and property damage, coupled with air pollution and noise pollution, the demand for a calmer, more peaceful way forward becomes increasingly apparent. Moreover, concerns over animal welfare and wildlife disturbance fuel the need for safer alternatives during celebrations.
Environmental concerns play a significant role in shaping people's opinions about fireworks, with 97% of respondents citing this as a primary reason for favoring a ban.
The desire for a change in the New Year's Eve lifestyle also extends to the preference for certified, organized events for pyrotechnics, as 91% of respondents opt for such displays.
In the realm of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, fewer people step out on New Year's Eve, with 70% of respondents choosing to stay indoors.
As the concern for environmental impact expands, the push for a safer and greener New Year's Eve gathers momentum, with travel and transportation also coming under scrutiny.
The growing interest in animal welfare and concerns about pet safety during firework displays are also factors contributing to the movement for a firework ban, making the issue relevant for those with pets as well.
