Dispute over large-scale firing: majority view firecrackers negatively

According to a survey, the majority of people in Germany have a negative view of firecrackers and rockets at the turn of the year.

A third of German citizens (34%) are decidedly against fireworks, according to a survey conducted by the opinion research institute Yougov on behalf of Deutsche Presse-Agentur. A further 19 percent said that they "rather dislike" firecrackers and rockets. According to the survey, 14% are "completely in favor" of traditional New Year's Eve fireworks.

The rejection of New Year's Eve fireworks is strongest in the group of people over the age of 55: 46% of older people do not like firecrackers and rockets at all. Fireworks are most popular in the 35 to 44 age group. According to the representative survey, men like firecrackers and fireworks more than women in all age groups.

Only 8 percent of respondents "definitely" intend to set off firecrackers or fireworks themselves this year. A further 9 percent "probably" intend to do so and 11 percent "maybe". 55% of those surveyed said that they definitely do not want to set off fireworks on New Year's Eve. A further 13% "probably" do not want to do so.

Half against firecrackers in the hands of amateurs

Exactly half of those surveyed (50 percent) are against firecrackers and fireworks in private hands. A quarter (24%) are in favor of a complete ban on New Year's Eve fireworks in Germany.

A further 26% believe that there should only be organized fireworks displays, such as those at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. A further 31% are in favor of private fireworks displays with simultaneous firework ban zones, for example in old towns - as is currently the case in a number of cities. 14% think that firecrackers and fireworks should be allowed everywhere in the country on New Year's Eve without exceptions.

Concern about riots with firecrackers

Police officers are increasingly concerned about private fireworks displays. A nationwide ban on private fireworks combined with a sales ban has "actually been necessary for a long time", says Stephan Weh, head of the Berlin police union (GdP). Centralized professional fireworks displays should replace "private fireworks" in the capital.

The background: last New Year's Eve, young men went on the rampage with firecrackers and rockets in several of Berlin's socially deprived districts. They also threw and shot firecrackers at police officers and firefighters. Similar scenes also took place in other major cities.

Many firefighters reported that such attacks on New Year's Eve had become "normal" in many cities. Firecrackers have also recently been thrown at firefighters during demonstrations in connection with the war in the Middle East and Halloween riots.

Most people celebrate indoors

According to the survey, only a minority of people in Germany (22%) celebrate New Year's Eve on the street at midnight surrounded by firecrackers and rockets. 66% prefer to spend the New Year within their own four walls or at the homes of relatives and friends. A further four percent toast the New Year in a restaurant or bar.

Frightened animals, garbage, risk of injury

For 44% of respondents, the concern of frightening domestic and wild animals is one of the main reasons for not using firecrackers and rockets. Litter on the streets was named by 39% as one of the three strongest arguments against them, and the risk of injury by 30%.

Other frequently cited disadvantages: the burden on emergency medical staff and fine dust pollution in the air (27% each) as well as the burden on the fire department and police (23%). "I don't mind firecrackers and fireworks on New Year's Eve" said 7%.

"An anxiety-ridden evening" vs. "ray of hope"

The Federal Environment Agency is particularly concerned about the issue of particulate matter pollution: around 2050 tons of particulate matter are released every year when fireworks are set off, according to an inquiry by the German Press Agency. "Most of it on New Year's Eve. This amount corresponds to around one percent of the total amount of particulate matter released in Germany." Inhaling particulate matter endangers human health - both in the case of short-term high and long-term increased exposure.

However, the Federal Environment Agency is against a general ban on New Year's Eve fireworks, "as traditions and customs are part of our lives and should remain so." However, it is calling for a contribution to be made to reducing particulate pollution and noise on New Year's Eve.

Deutsche Umwelthilfe, on the other hand, is in favor of a ban. A comprehensive ban on the sale and use of pyrotechnics is needed, demanded Federal Managing Director Jürgen Resch. "The federal government must draw a clear line here and not shift the responsibility onto the 11,000 local authorities." Attacks on emergency services, animals in fear of death, garbage and health hazards made New Year's Eve not a celebration for many, but a "night filled with fear".

The German Pyrotechnics Association counters this: "Especially in times of high stress, fireworks at the turn of the year are of particular value to many people. Fireworks are a ray of hope and mark a brief and special moment of exception from everyday life" - this is how the manufacturers see it.

Despite the concerns raised by animal welfare organizations about frightened animals and the risk of injury, some individuals still plan to use firecrackers during the turn of the year, with 8% stating they definitely intend to, and 9% probably planning to do so.
The turn of the year often brings about emergency situations, as stated by the police union head Stephan Weh, who believes that the increasing concerns over private fireworks displays warrant a nationwide ban on fireworks combined with a sales ban, particularly after the incidents of riots with firecrackers on New Year's Eve.
Customs and traditions play a significant role in the New Year celebration, as mentioned by the Federal Environment Agency, who although concerned about the particulate matter pollution caused by firecrackers, opposes a total ban on fireworks, arguing that they should remain a part of people's lives.

Source: www.dpa.com