The Green Party faction in the German Bundestag is intensifying pressure on Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) to rapidly revise the Explosives Ordinance, arguing current regulations are hindering municipalities’ ability to ensure safe and responsible New Year’s Eve celebrations. The call for action follows a recent ruling by the Schleswig Administrative Court, which overturned a longstanding firework ban on the islands of Amrum and Föhr, siding with a manufacturer’s emergency appeal.
Julia Verlinden and Konstantin von Notz, deputy parliamentary group leaders for the Greens, criticized the situation as “untenable” highlighting how current legal ambiguities are effectively preventing cities and towns from implementing measures to mitigate noise pollution, air contamination and potential injuries during the crucial New Year’s festivities. They argue that Minister Dobrindt is obligated to provide legal certainty and swiftly enact the necessary amendments to the Explosives Ordinance.
The ruling in Schleswig, which nullified a decades-old tradition of firework bans on Amrum and Föhr, has sparked considerable controversy and drawn sharp criticism from the Greens. They contend that the current legal framework disproportionately favors manufacturers at the expense of local communities and the well-being of their residents.
Beyond simply clarifying municipal authority regarding firework bans, the Green Party is further advocating for enhanced measures to prevent the misuse of pyrotechnics and reduce associated risks. They specifically call for stricter regulation and a curtailment of the free sale of particularly hazardous “firework weapons”. This push reflects a broader concern regarding public safety and the potential for escalating incidents involving improperly handled or illegally modified pyrotechnic devices. Critics argue that Dobrindt’s inaction is perpetuating a situation ripe for preventable harm and that a more proactive regulatory approach is essential to protect communities throughout Germany.
