The trial against Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, who drove his car into the crowd at the Magdeburg Christmas market a year ago, has just begun. Six people lost their lives, and at least 323 were injured. At the same time, the decision was made to cancel this year’s market—for now. The reason given: security concerns.
In a seven-page letter addressed to the city, the State Administrative Office harshly criticizes the security concept on multiple fronts. Among other issues, it points to weaknesses in access protection and the deployment of security personnel. Furthermore, the organizer, the „Weihnachtsmarkt GmbH,“ is accused of completely underestimating its obligations related to the event’s execution. For this reason, the letter states, approval cannot be granted.
The question arises: How safe are our Christmas markets? Bavaria’s Home Secretary Joachim Herrmann (CSU) told Bayerischer Rundfunk, „We see no concrete threat, no specific indications of attack plans, nor any threats.“ The CSU-politician added that security concepts had recently been reviewed, especially at large markets such as those in Nuremberg and Munich. There is a strong police presence and access controls; security measures have been strengthened. Although there is always a „certain baseline risk“ and no absolute guarantee of safety at Christmas markets, the Home Secretary emphasized that people should not let themselves be driven crazy by this.
Only isolated cancellations - no threat to Nuremberg Christmas market
Some Christmas markets across Germany have already been canceled. On social media, a connection is often made to the actually increased security costs. In some cases, it is even claimed that the Christmas market season in Germany will be canceled this year because of this. A fact-check by Deutsche Welle shows: so far, there have been only a few cancellations; as of now, it is assumed that the Christmas markets in Germany will take place as planned.
The German Showmen’s Association („Deutscher Schaustellerbund,“ DSB) confirmed this in a press release. „According to our own research, there are only isolated cancellations of small Christmas markets throughout the country,“ says DSB President Albert Ritter. „We showmen and women are prepared and full of anticipation for the Christmas market season. People can count on enjoying the festive atmosphere of our Christmas markets carefree, with a cup of mulled wine and sweet treats,“ Ritter explains.