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 for a limited number of hours on the night of the year on New Year’s Day, many cases of status quo have already been reported recklessly.
In recent years, celebrations have been repeatedly overshadowed by riots and attacks, with thousands of police officers and paramedics deployed across the country.
While GdP President Jochen Kopelke said he favored a ban, he also conceded that the political will did not yet appear 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 president of the Police Union said that the idea that these prohibition zones were very effective, with confusion about how regulations were applied.
The Berlin Police Union spokesman Benjamin Jendro said that centrally organized fireworks can provide a safer choice to personal exhibitions.
To view this video, turn on JavaScript and go to an internet browser that supports HTML5 video
“Fireworks belong in the hands of other people who know what they are doing, namely firefighters and other qualified people. If other people don’t need to do fireworks without fire, then we offer them more arranged events. “
The president of the German Medical Association, Klaus Reinhardt, said that the incorrect and negligent use and the alcohol of fireworks can cause serious injuries, exercising tension in emergencies that are already in search.
Before the New Year, he agreed that the presentations shown were preferable.
“No one needs to deprive other people of the opportunity to celebrate the New Year Pacific and safe way. “
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 am in favor of those who say that fireworks are only activated where it is not dangerous,” he said, adding that a prohibition can be desirable near houses or buildings with straw roofs.
RC / WD (DPA, EPD, KNA)