Fireworks Ban: Over Two Million Back the Movement, Says Berlin GdP
Union Advocates Public Prohibition of Boilers and Salespersons - Union Advocates for Ban on Sales
The Berlin Police Trade Union (GdP) is making a strong push for a fireworks ban at the Interior Ministers' Conference (IMC), based on fresh survey findings. "The population is ready for a change in thinking at New Year's Eve," declared Berlin GdP chair, Stephan Weh, to the German Press Agency. A nationwide survey conducted by the Berlin state association of the trade union from April 3 to 13 unveiled the public's stance. "Politics needs to act," said Weh, as the festive occasion has transformed into an event laced with fear, insecurity, and anger.
Survey Highlights
The survey, open to participants across Germany, showed a staggering 97% favoring a ban on personal fireworks. A whopping 93% supported a sales prohibition, with 95% of respondents pledging compliance to such a restriction.
Rather than personal fireworks, 91% backed organized events with certified pyrotechnicians. Nearly half (49%) expressed their willingness to attend. Interestingly, 70% of respondents revealed they no longer take to the streets on New Year's Eve.
Public ResponsivenessThe survey had participation from all federal states, including a strong female contingent (63%) and mainly individuals over 30 (85%). The Berlin GdP state association initiated a petition for a fireworks ban early this year, which has since amassed over two million signatures. Other organizations echo this call, such as the German Environmental Aid.
Additional Context:Although no recent news confirms a petition with over two million signatures advocating for a fireworks ban at New Year's Eve in Germany, a similar petition garnering over half a million signatures was supported last year following the New Year’s celebrations in 2025[1]. The Berlin branch of the German Police Union (GdP) is also championing a ban[2]. However, the status of these campaigns reaching two million signatures remains unclear.
[1] Source: Fireworks Ban Petition Surges Past 500,000 Signatures in Germany
[2] Source: Berlin GdP Advocates for Fireworks Ban at Interior Ministers' Conference
- The Berlin GdP urged the Interior Ministers' Conference to consider the community policy of banning personal fireworks, as over two million people have signed a petition supporting this change, according to the Berlin GdP chair, Stephan Weh.
- The fireworks policy at workplaces might also need revision, given that 97% of respondents in a recent nationwide survey conducted by the Berlin state association of the trade union support a ban on personal fireworks.
- The health and wellness of the workforce could be improved with a shift from personal fireworks to organized events with certified pyrotechnicians, as 91% of survey respondents prefer this approach.
- In light of the general news about the fireworks ban movement gaining traction, it might be worth considering policy-and-legislation focusing on workplace-wellness, including fitness-and-exercise policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of employees on New Year's Eve.
