The German Police Union (GdP) Berlin is urgently calling for a fundamental shift in political policy regarding annual New Year’s Eve fireworks, citing escalating safety concerns and increasingly volatile incidents faced by law enforcement. Spokesman Benjamin Jendro, in a statement to T-Online, underscored the necessity of “new framework conditions” for next year, advocating for either a nationwide firework ban or, at minimum, significant restrictions on sales.
Jendro’s criticism extended directly to Berlin’s governing mayor, Kai Wegner, a CDU politician, who has recently adopted a cautious stance regarding a potential fireworks ban. “While we value Kai Wegner, his personal opinion on a firework ban should not be the deciding factor” Jendro stated, emphasizing that such decisions should reflect the will of the populace, not individual political preferences. This comment highlights a growing tension between the city’s political leadership and frontline law enforcement agencies regarding preventative measures.
The severity of the situation was underscored by the deployment of approximately 4,300 police officers in Berlin on New Year’s Eve, of whom around 30 sustained injuries. Jendro detailed a disturbing pattern of “targeted ambushes” against officers, resulting in significant public anxieties. “Many in Berlin are now hesitant to venture out onto the streets” he reported, painting a picture of a community experiencing a tangible decline in public safety.
Despite official police assessments indicating that the number of incidents during New Year’s Eve remained roughly consistent with the previous year, Jendro dismissed any sense of complacency. He attributed the relative lack of widespread chaos solely to the efforts of police officers, implying that the underlying issues remain unaddressed. He signaled a concern that current levels of intervention are unsustainable, particularly given the inherent risks faced by officers.
Preceding the New Year’s Eve celebrations, Berlin police confiscated hundreds of thousands of illegal pyrotechnic items, demonstrating the extent of the illicit trade feeding the situation. Authorities initiated 800 investigations following the event, leading to the temporary detention of approximately 430 individuals for various offenses. The ongoing investigations and the sheer volume of confiscated illegal fireworks further highlight the scale of the challenge facing authorities in maintaining order and public safety. The GdP’s call for action presents a significant political challenge, demanding a serious re-evaluation of current policies and potentially a bold shift towards more restrictive measures.