Greens call for an end to private New Year's Eve fireworks in Saxony

The Saxon state parliament held a controversial debate on a ban on private fireworks displays on New Year's Eve. The topic was put on the agenda for the topical hour at the request of the Greens. "Every year at the turn of the year, fireworks are set off - this causes animal suffering, waste and puts a strain on our emergency services," said parliamentary group leader Franziska Schubert. The Left Party expressed similar views. The AfD criticized the proposal as a "typical green ban debate".

More and more people want an end to private fireworks on New Year's Eve, said Schubert, referring to surveys. This is also shown by the more than two million signatures on a petition from the police union. "It's time we responded to the pressure from society at large. It is time to make policy in the interests of animal welfare, environmental protection and public safety."

Greens name alternatives: professional fireworks, light and laser shows

"There is nothing to be said against preserving our traditions - but we can develop them further: through centrally controlled, professional fireworks, light and laser shows," Schubert suggested. All of this would be just as colorful, just as festive, but safer, more sustainable and more responsible. This would protect the many domestic, wild and farm animals that are extremely affected by fireworks year after year. Municipalities would also be relieved of waste.

Greens interior politician Valentin Lippmann pointed out the strain on the emergency services. They are regularly in a state of emergency on New Year's Eve. "Police, firefighters and paramedics are often literally under fire and are hindered in their work. Hospitals and emergency rooms are full of people with firework-related injuries that could have been prevented. The physical and psychological strain on everyone is enormous."

Greens call for federal state opening clause for fireworks ban

The Greens called on the CDU-SPD minority government to lobby for a change to the law on explosives at federal level. "We need at least a state opening clause that allows the federal states to issue bans on firecrackers," said Lippmann. Thousands of injured people, overburdened emergency services and police forces pelted with firecrackers cannot be justified with calls for an irresponsible freedom to use firecrackers.

The police union handed over a petition entitled "Nationwide ban on firecrackers, NOW!" to the Conference of Interior Ministers (IMK). More than 2.2 million people supported the petition. The petition calls for a comprehensive ban on firecrackers in private homes. The interior ministers of the federal states are meeting in Bremen until Friday. The handling of private New Year's Eve fireworks is one of many topics at the conference.