The House of Representatives will debate on Wednesday, February 19, about a legislative proposal to ban consumer fireworks. The proposal is submitted by MPs Jesse Klaver (GroenLinks) and Esther Ouwehand (PvdD). Follow the plenary debate live from 3:30 PM via this website and Debat Direct.

The legislative proposal by MPs Klaver and Ouwehand advocates for a complete ban on the sale and setting off of consumer fireworks. They aim to prevent fireworks-related disturbances for people, animals, and the environment.

Victims and Environment

“The New Year’s celebration is a festivity for everyone in the Netherlands. However, it has a dark side,” the submitters write in their proposal. Last New Year’s Eve, according to VeiligheidNL, the knowledge center for injury prevention, 1,162 fireworks victims were treated at emergency rooms or by general practitioners.

Klaver and Ouwehand also find that the New Year’s celebration in the Netherlands is a heavy burden on public order, legal order, safety, public health, and the environment. Therefore, they propose a consumer fireworks ban. The professional setting off of fireworks remains unaffected.

Debate in Sessions

The House started the consideration of the legislative proposal on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. During this debate, MPs asked questions to the submitters and debated among themselves. On Wednesday, February 18, the debate will continue, and Klaver and Ouwehand will respond. This concludes the first round or session of the debate.

Usually, there are more questions after the first session. Therefore, a second session follows, during which various MPs can ask more questions and submit motions. The submitters will respond again.

Legislative Proposal

As it is a legislative proposal, it is defended by the submitters. MPs Klaver and Ouwehand sit in section K, where usually government officials are seated.

Minister David van Weel (Justice and Security) and State Secretary Chris Jansen (Infrastructure and Water Management) are substantively involved in the subject. They are also present at the debate and provide advice. If the House of Representatives approves the proposal, the submitters will also defend it in the Senate.

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