The German Federal Interior Ministry is actively exploring legal avenues for a more stringent regulation of New Year’s Eve fireworks, according to a parliamentary response obtained by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland. While the Interior Ministers’ Conference refrained from issuing a formal resolution endorsing blanket firework bans on December 5th, 2025, discussions among federal states regarding expanded regulatory powers for local authorities remain ongoing.
Christoph de Vries, the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Interior Ministry, confirmed in his response that the ministry is “open” to these discussions and is currently examining the feasibility of implementing changes through amendments to the Explosives Act and the First Ordinance to the Explosives Act. This examination involves ongoing consultations with individual states.
However, this approach has drawn sharp criticism from Marcel Emmerich, the Green Party’s parliamentary spokesperson for internal affairs. He accuses the ministry of inaction, arguing that “instead of decisive measures, there are only assignments for examination, although the problems have been known for years and practical solutions are already available”. Emmerich emphasizes the urgent need for municipalities to possess legally robust frameworks to safeguard citizens, first responders, animals and the environment during the increasingly chaotic New Year’s celebrations. He contends that leaving municipalities reliant on precarious individual rulings and subsequent legal challenges is unacceptable.
“The uncontrolled nature of New Year’s Eve firework displays cannot continue” Emmerich stated, further criticizing the Interior Minister’s public pronouncements denouncing attacks on emergency services while simultaneously resisting measures that could demonstrably mitigate such incidents. He directly links Alexander Dobrindt, the CSU politician currently holding responsibilities in the Interior Ministry, to a situation where celebratory festivities are disproportionately impacting public safety, environmental well-being and the strain on emergency responders. The criticism highlights a growing political divide regarding the acceptable limits of public celebration and the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. The ongoing examination suggests a political reluctance to implement decisive action despite mounting pressure from local authorities and environmental groups.