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Magdeburg Christmas Market Put on Hold Over Security Gaps as State Blocks Permit

A state‑brokered meeting Wednesday aims to settle disputed security duties to unlock approval.

Overview

  • Saxony-Anhalt's Landesverwaltungsamt issued a seven-page review instructing the city not to approve the market, calling the submitted plan deficient and the event a potential attack target.
  • The authority flagged vehicle-access protection, security staffing and youth protection, and signaled requirements such as entry checks and certified barriers rated up to 7.5 tonnes.
  • Mayor Simone Borris argues terror defense is a state responsibility, rejects full enclosure and blanket organizer liability, and cites police confirmation that concrete threat response is a state task.
  • The organizer says it is integrating many demands, including more security personnel and clearer on-site responsibilities, and is seeking clarity on the powers of private guards for bag and person checks while construction continues.
  • After Borris appealed to Minister-President Reiner Haseloff, he arranged crisis talks for Wednesday as city leaders seek uniform statewide rules, with vendors facing urgent economic pressure and the attacker’s trial underway this week.