German politicians have joined the police in calling for a firework ban on Silvester this year, in an attempt to avoid any breach of the country’s coronavirus restrictions. Several politicians have voiced their support for the idea.
Police trade unionists in Germany have called for a complete ban on fireworks on Silvester (New Year’s Eve) this year. Rainer Wendt, President of the German Police Union, told reporters that fireworks are usually accompanied by large groups of people, alcohol and a party atmosphere, precisely the kind of things the country’s coronavirus restrictions forbid.
Several politicians have declared their support for the idea, with MP Michael Kuffer (CSU) urging for a ban on fireworks this year. The State Minister for Internal Affairs in North Rhine-Westphalia, Herbert Reul (CSU), has also spoken out against fireworks, “On the Halloween weekend it was very quiet in our party strongholds,” he said. “I hope it will be the same this New Year’s Eve.”
Ultimately, the decision to ban fireworks rests with local authorities, rather than the federal government. In Berlin, the Greens have called for the country to follow the Netherlands’ example and completely ban the selling and use of fireworks. The aim of the ban in the Netherlands is to try and stop the healthcare system from getting overwhelmed, which is considered a serious risk due to the current pandemic.
In Germany, it is reported that the seven East Frisian islands have agreed to ban fireworks this year to try and avoid crowds from gatherings. Cologne is also purportedly looking at banning fireworks this New Years.