Thousands of hunters demonstrate in Mainz against controversial hunting laws!

Thousands of hunters demonstrate in Mainz against controversial hunting laws!

Thousands of hunters marched through the streets of Mainz today to protest against the controversial new hunting law planned by the state government under Environment Minister Katrin Eder. The demonstration, organized by the State Hunting Association, brought together participants from Rhineland-Palatinate and neighboring Saarland, who appeared in impressive green pants and shirts as well as bright yellow high-visibility vests. They drew attention to their concerns with hunting horns and loud shouts. The event began on the banks of the Rhine and ended at Ernst-Ludwig-Platz with a rally at 1 p.m. The police warned in advance of possible traffic disruptions due to the protest march.

Criticism of the new law centers primarily on proposed regulations that could potentially force hunters to shoot deer to prevent damage to young trees. The chairman of the state hunting association, Sven Bischof, described the law as patronizing and pointed out that it did not contain a sound wildlife biology concept. Rather, hunters fear that under the new law they will be forced to increase the number of animals shot, which could increase hunting pressure on wild animals.

Dispute between the minister and the hunters

The dispute over the hunting law has been going on for more than two years and is leading to tensions between the various political actors. The state hunting association has repeatedly criticized the Green minister. This dispute manifested itself again at a recent Green party conference. The hunters are calling for the proposals to be revised and point out that such a regulation is not in the spirit of nature conservation and hunting culture. The debate will now continue in the state parliament, with the next legislative steps due next week.

The position of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) is particularly explosive in the conflict. Daniela Schmitt, the FDP leader and Economics Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate, made it unmistakably clear that her party cannot agree to the current draft. She said in Dernau: “As it stands now, we cannot agree to it and we will not agree to it either.” These critical voices from the coalition ranks are increasing the pressure on the state government to find a solution that meets both the needs of the hunters and the requirements of nature conservation.

The planned law, which is intended to protect forests, animals and agriculture, continues to be sharply questioned. The concerns of hunters and conservationists must now be carefully weighed in order to find a viable solution.