National fireworks ban likely: NSC support ensures Parliament majority in both houses

The coalition party NSC is also in support of a ban on fireworks. This was announced by MP Faith Bruyning after a meeting within the party. This comes a week after another governing party, the VVD, also announced their support for the ban. This announcement now means that there is a majority in both houses of parliament for the ban.

NSC, just like the VVD did, will attach terms and conditions to their support. The NSC wants the setting off of fireworks to still be possible “in an organized form,” like a fireworks show. NSC also wants to be able to carry out more border controls for the sake of enforceability.

Bruyning did not mention what the plans are regarding compensation for people who sell fireworks. She referred to the VVD, who have made that one of their conditions for their support.

Interest association Pyrotechniek Nederland is asking for 895 million euros in compensation. State Secretary for Infrastructure and VVD member Chris Jansen was aiming more towards 100-150 million euros in compensation.

With the support of Pieter Omtzigt's party, there is sufficient support in both houses of Parliament for an initiative bill by GroenLinks-PvdA and Partij voor de Dieren for a fireworks ban. The Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament will debate the proposal on Thursday. Government parties PVV and BBB remain opposed to a ban.

“Finally police officers will get the support they deserve,” said the chairwoman of the Nederlandse Politiebond (NPB), the police union in the Netherlands, Nine Kooiman.

According to Kooiman, a ban on setting off fireworks is a “necessary step” but is also only “a start” when it comes to reducing the health risks that police officers deal with during their work.