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Magdeburg Christmas Market Permit Withheld as Haseloff Calls Crisis Meeting

State officials ordered the city to withhold approval after finding major gaps in the market’s security plan.

Overview

  • Magdeburg said it cannot currently authorize the market after the Landesverwaltungsamt’s seven‑page review cited significant deficiencies, labeled the event a potential target, and flagged access protection, security staffing and youth protection.
  • The organiser reports it is integrating many recommendations, including adding security personnel and clarifying duties, and continues building while a solution is sought.
  • City leaders and the organiser argue concrete anti‑terror measures are a state responsibility, pushing back on full enclosure, entry checks and assuming liability for terror or amok acts.
  • Minister‑President Reiner Haseloff arranged a Wednesday crisis meeting with city, police and the state authority to clear technical and legal issues and to pursue a path to a safe opening.
  • Officials signal possible legal action if the refusal stands as stallholders warn of severe losses, and the dispute unfolds alongside the trial of the suspect in the December 2024 attack.