Magdeburg Christmas Market Permit on Hold Amid Security concerns
The Magdeburg Christmas market is currently unable to proceed as planned due to disagreements over its security concept. Mayor Simone borris informed the city council of the situation during a special meeting held this evening.
The state Governance Office of Saxony-Anhalt has blocked the city from issuing a permit, citing security deficiencies outlined in a letter to the city obtained by the dpa news agency. the letter details concerns regarding access control plans adn the adequacy of security personnel. It also alleges that Weihnachtsmarkt GmbH, the market’s organizer, is failing to meet its implementation obligations.
“Despite the contrary legal opinion that we have with the State Administration Office on this issue, the state capital will not be able to issue a permit for this year’s christmas market due to the office’s instructions temporarily,” stated Borris.She expressed hope that the market could still be salvaged thru collaborative efforts.
Borris criticized the State Administration Office’s actions,noting the christmas market company’s willingness to incorporate feedback into the security plan while also maintaining objections to certain state-mandated measures.
The news comes just hours after the trial began at the Magdeburg Regional Court concerning the individual accused of perpetrating the 2023 Christmas market attack. That incident resulted in six fatalities and approximately 300 injuries when a vehicle was driven into a crowd.The prosecution has charged the 51-year-old suspect with six counts of murder and 338 counts of attempted murder.