Chaos on New Year's Eve: Kassel paralyzed by prohibitions and firecrackers!

New Year's Eve 2024 in Kassel was characterized by controversy, since despite an existing ban on fireworks in large parts of the city center, especially on Friedrichsplatz, in many places. This led to considerable air pollution from fine dust, while the police were unable to enforce the ban and only observed the incidents.

In the city there are now intensive discussions about the consequences of the ban. A city spokesman announced that security authorities would exchange ideas to deal with the events. Compared to other major cities, the New Year's Eve in Kassel was without special occurrences. The green politician Eva Koch expressed that the ban was not known to many and asked for improved information for the next year.

political reactions to the ban on firecrackers

As part of the discussion about the ban on fireworks, the first laser show in front of the town hall was also organized as an alternative to conventional fireworks, at the request of the Greens. The criticism of the prohibition zones came from CDU parliamentary group leader Maximilian Bathon, who demanded more video surveillance and staff for the city police. FDP colleague Sascha Bickel described the ban as a political fig leaf without actual enforcement options.

Green politician Koch speaks for a nationwide ban on firecrackers, while the SPD parliamentary group leader Anke Bergmann faces the skeptical. The leader of the left, Sabine Leidig, demands a cultural change and refers to successful campaigns in Berlin. Users also reported positive experiences with similar prohibitions in Paris.

The Kassel police could not give a serious assessment of the amount of detonated fireworks, but suspected that more was ignited than in previous years. There were no evidence of the ignition of illegal blast like ball bombs, but the police thought the fireworks ban zones in places with many people.

increased safety precautions in Hesse

In a larger context, the police in Hesse increased the security measures at the turn of the year. Böller bans and increased controls should ensure security on New Year's Eve. Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) rates Hessen as well prepared and the security authorities are working to ensure a happy turn of the year.

The scenarios that are included in the planning include, among other things, a possible attack, as it took place in Magdeburg. Although there is no specific indications of hazards, the security situation is tense. The residents are asked to celebrate peacefully and to observe the firecrackers. In addition, the focus is on the security precautions in the cities in which in many places fired bans were issued, especially in the inner cities and old town areas.

In Kassel, a ban on fireworks has been imposed on central inner city areas and parks, and the consideration of animals is also pointed out. Many municipalities in Hesse, including Frankfurt and Marburg, have issued similar bans. Meanwhile, the Frankfurt Zoo appeals to residents to observe the ban on firecrackers in order to avoid stress in animals. Environmental and animal rights activists also call for a nationwide ban on firecrackers due to air pollution and stress for animals. Doctors also warn of the risk of injury due to improper use of fireworks.