By Stefan Kruse and Andreas Heimann, dpa.
With a bit more than two weeks to go before New Year’s Eve, Berlin Mayor Mayor Kai Wegner has warned would-be rioters and violent offenders that they will be met with thousands of police if they try something.
With a bit more than two weeks to go before New Year’s Eve, Berlin Mayor Mayor Kai Wegner has warned would-be rioters and violent offenders that they will be met with thousands of police if they try something.
“For me, the decisive factor is that the police, as they did last year, have the situation under control again,” Wegner told dpa.
“The police will receive the necessary forces they need for the upcoming New Year’s Eve.”
A year ago, some 3,200 police officers from various German states were deployed – more than ever before on New Year’s Eve. This year’s plans are for 3,000 officers, according to the Berlin police.
“I do not want the massive attacks on police and fire services, as we experienced on New Year’s Eve 2022/23, to become the norm in Berlin,” said Wegner. “Last year, the Berlin police had the situation under control every minute. The rule of law clearly prevailed.”
The mayor, a member of the conservative Christian Democratic Union party, said the goal for New Year’s Eve is to have no injured rescue and fire service personnel or police officers, as was seen two years ago.
“Against those who attack fire services and police with firecrackers, rockets, or other objects, the police will act decisively again in the coming New Year’s Eve.”
But Wegner opposes a ban on fireworks sales – a discussion that surfaces every year in Germany.
“I do not want to punish families who wish to peacefully ignite a rocket or two on New Year’s Eve and celebrate the transition with sparklers and fireworks fountains outdoors.”
But he said there will be zones in the capital city where fireworks are prohibited.
Wegner said banning the sale of fireworks in the city, Germany’s largest, doesn’t make sense “because those who cannot acquire New Year’s fireworks in Berlin will then drive to Brandenburg or neighbouring Poland.”
Source: dpa.com