A vast majority of VVD and CDA mayors in the big cities are in favor of a total or partial ban on fireworks. With this they go against the opinion of their party members in the House of Representatives. This is apparent from a tour of the NOS.
Of the hundred largest municipalities in the Netherlands, 35 have a mayor of VVD or CDA homes. The NOS has been in contact with 25 of them. Only two of them found a fireworks ban unnecessary. The vast majority want a partial ban, nine mayors argue for a total ban on consumer fireworks.
With this opinion, the mayors go against those of their party fractions in the Lower House. After the turn of the year, VVD and CDA have indicated that they are not in favor of a general ban on flares and bangers, but that enforcement should be done. The CDA does want to prohibit the sale of heavy flares.
Mayor Koen Schuiling (VVD) of Groningen no longer wants flares and bangers. In his New Year’s speech, he says that “it gives us a headache. Literally and figuratively. For years and ever more violently.”
Mayor Lucas Bolsius (CDA) of Amersfoort wants a total ban on consumer fireworks in the Netherlands. “The negative effects of fireworks go beyond the limits of acceptance and tolerance,” said Bolsius
Acting mayor Johan Remkes of The Hague and mayor Jan van Zanen of Utrecht (both VVD) had previously announced their support for an extension of the fireworks ban, as previously proposed by the Dutch Safety Board (OVV).
According to the OVV, the National Police and medical specialists, a ban on bang fireworks and flares would be essential to reduce victims around New Year’s Eve.
Chamber majority for prohibition of ‘dangerous’ fireworks
Earlier on Monday, a majority in the Lower House appeared to want a ban on ‘dangerous’ fireworks. What the parties mean by this term is still unclear. The various groups will be discussing this in the coming period.
According to the NOS, the coalition parties D66 and the ChristenUnie are in favor of a ban on “risky” fireworks, as well as the opposition parties GroenLinks, SP, PvdA, Party for the Animals, 50PLUS, SGP, DENK and the one-man party Van Kooten-Arissen. Together that makes 76 seats, the broadcaster concludes. It is not clear whether the parties want a total ban, or only a ban on the heavier fireworks.
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