Email affair: Magdeburg's Christmas market in crisis!

Email affair: Magdeburg's Christmas market in crisis!

An email affair is currently stirring up Magdeburg city politics and raising questions about the approval of the Christmas market. According to internal news, Mayor Simone Borris was already informed about the background before a critical email from Alderman Ronni Krug. This information comes from a recent report by daily news.

The restaurateur Arno Frommhagen, who is also the spokesman for the downtown interest group, tried to influence the administration in this matter. On October 29, 2024, the day before Krug's email, Frommhagen addressed Borris directly and warned her in his message about the impact of a new winter market, which he described as a project with "real explosive power." His suggestion to “withdraw the permit to save face” was heard by the mayor, who then sought to distance herself from the project.

Internal communication and responsibilities

The incidents took a dramatic turn when Frommhagen contacted Borris again at 8:58 p.m. after the original message from Krug, which called for security concepts to be examined the next day. This expressed its lack of understanding of its own administration and made it clear that it had not issued an inspection order for a ban on the new market. It was only on November 6th that she found out about the contents of the email, which further fueled the discussions.

Ronni Krug, the deputy, justifies himself by explaining that there was no indication that Borris had been informed in advance. He emphasizes that neither agreements on tougher requirements nor on a ban were discussed. Behind these developments, however, is disciplinary proceedings that have been ongoing against Krug since January. The current status remains unclear.

Christmas markets in Germany

The excitement surrounding the Magdeburg Christmas markets is reminiscent of the anticipation that is currently prevailing at many other Christmas markets in Germany. This is how the traditional one opens Christmas market in Munich opens its doors from November 24th to December 24th, 2025 and attracts visitors with Bavarian charm and an impressive nativity scene. The offering ranges from a children's workshop to daily live performances.

While the Christmas spirit is rising everywhere, what is happening around the permits in Magdeburg remains a hot topic in city politics. Will the plans for the Christmas markets in Magdeburg shine in the light that they celebrate every year or will the shadow of the internal dispute cast a dark stain on the tradition? The coming weeks will show how the city responds to these challenges.