Opposition Parties Clash with VVD Over Hesitance on Fireworks Ban
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Loading... - Amanda Bennet
- 30 Jan 2025
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During the annual parliamentary debate addressing the riots that occurred over the past New Year’s Eve, opposition parties confronted the VVD (People's Party for Freedom and Democracy) regarding its reluctance to support a nationwide ban on consumer fireworks. Critics accused the VVD of hypocrisy, arguing that the party cannot advocate for the police and emergency services throughout the year while ignoring their safety concerns during the New Year celebrations.
Progressive parties have long backed calls from police, healthcare institutions, and municipalities for a ban on consumer fireworks. This past New Year’s Eve, approximately 350 first responders faced violence, and 187 individuals suffered eye injuries—the highest number recorded in a decade. Police chief Janny Knol highlighted the severe physical and mental consequences of fireworks-related violence, noting that many police officers are now reluctant to work on New Year’s Eve, as indicated by a recent survey.
Parties such as GroenLinks-PvdA and the Party for the Animals (PvdD) have submitted a motion for a fireworks ban, which is set to be debated in the coming weeks. The Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) has also shifted its stance to support a ban, with parliamentarian Derk Boswijk stating that New Year’s Eve has increasingly become a low point for violence against police, emergency services, and healthcare providers. He emphasized that the party can no longer ignore the issue.
Proponents of the ban urged the VVD, in particular, to reconcile its vocal support for law enforcement with its hesitance to act on the fireworks issue. Despite the growing support for a ban, the VVD remains opposed, although the topic is under discussion within the party. Parliamentarian Ingrid Michon-Derkzen expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a ban, suggesting that those who attack first responders would likely disregard it.
The New Social Contract (NSC) party has not definitively opposed the ban either. NSC MP Faith Bruyning stated that the party does not want to ignore public calls for action and is currently deliberating the issue.
In contrast, the other two coalition parties, the Freedom Party (PVV) and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), firmly oppose a ban on consumer fireworks. BBB leader Caroline van der Plas argued that most incidents stem from illegal fireworks, asserting that a ban would unfairly penalize law-abiding citizens who wish to enjoy fireworks while failing to address the actions of troublemakers. She emphasized the need for tougher measures against those who cause disturbances rather than imposing restrictions on the general public.
As the debate continues, the future of consumer fireworks in the Netherlands remains a contentious issue, reflecting broader concerns about public safety and the responsibilities of lawmakers to protect both citizens and emergency responders.
