After New Year’s Tragic Incidents, Germany Considers Fireworks Ban

The German chancellor sparked a debate on Friday by announcing the potential for a nationwide ban on fireworks following fatalities and injuries during New Year’s celebrations.

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During a visit to a fire brigade in the suburb of Kleinmachnow, Olaf Scholz stated: “We need clear rules defining the types of fireworks allowed, with strict penalties for violations.”

Meanwhile, Iris Spranger, Berlin’s Interior Minister, called for stricter national regulations, including designating specific areas for permitted fireworks.

However, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed her support for tightening existing regulations and establishing firework-free zones, but opposed a complete ban.

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In a related development, public calls for a ban have intensified, with over 270,000 people signing a petition demanding a comprehensive prohibition on fireworks for private use.

This follows a New Year’s Eve that saw the deaths of five people and injuries to dozens.

The German Police Union, which initiated the petition two years ago, noted a significant surge in signatures since the start of the new year, emphasizing that recent events had made the issue more urgent.

It is worth mentioning that Germany allows the sale of fireworks for private use during specific days leading up to New Year’s, distinguishing it from many other countries that impose strict regulations or completely ban them.

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