Christmas market Magdeburg: City fights against security ban!

Christmas market Magdeburg: City fights against security ban!

A turbulent Christmas market year is looming in Magdeburg. Just two weeks before the planned opening, the state of Saxony-Anhalt banned the city from starting its Christmas market for safety reasons. This reports Picture. The decision comes against the background of an ongoing trial against the assassin Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, who killed six people and injured another 338 at the Christmas market in 2024.

Mayor Simone Borris is visibly dissatisfied with the decision and speaks out clearly in favor of the state's responsibility in countering terrorism. If the country does not take the necessary security measures, she plans to take legal action against the government. The Weihnachtsmarkt GmbH has already stated that it cannot fully comply with the required safety rules, which further supports the cancellation.

Here’s to a crisis discussion!

A crisis summit chaired by Prime Minister Rainer Haseloff was called to find solutions for the safe holding of the Christmas market. Many in the industry are critical and point out that the market was almost completely built up when the cancellation came. The German Showmen's Association expresses dissatisfaction with the late decision, which has fooled many in the industry.

The security deficiencies that ultimately led to the cancellation relate in particular to the organization of security measures and protection at the entrances. During a survey as part of the ongoing committee of inquiry, the managing director of the company that sets up the bollards was also questioned. Criticism comes from CDU MP Kerstin Godenrath, who raised discrepancies in the security concept. She emphasizes that whoever put up the concrete blocks apparently did not have access to the site plan, which for her represents a clear responsibility for the city.

Increasing security concerns across Germany

Concerns about safety during the Christmas season are not limited to Magdeburg. According to information from fr.de Security authorities across Germany are warning of a significantly increased risk of attacks on Christmas markets. The DPolG in particular warns of a “terror alarm” and emphasizes that Christian markets represent potential targets for Islamist terrorists. Nevertheless, police departments in cities like Dresden and Munich emphasize that there is currently no direct evidence of impending attacks.

In Cologne, however, the situation for the upcoming Christmas markets looks somewhat more optimistic. Security precautions here are already at a high level and police measures are consistent with tried and tested concepts. Police plan to increase public presence to create a sense of security among Christmas market visitors.

It remains to be seen whether and when the Magdeburg Christmas market can finally open. Borris is optimistic there may be a delayed opening, but the challenges facing the city are clearly significant. The pressure is not only on the local authorities, but also on the security authorities, who have to have a good hand to make the Christmas season a joy for everyone.