Overview
- A seven‑page review by the Landesverwaltungsamt warned the current concept would create a “potential target” and advised against approval, citing deficiencies in access controls, certified vehicle barriers up to 7.5 tonnes, security staffing and youth protection.
- The organiser and Mayor Simone Borris reject transferring liability for terror and amok prevention to the market, arguing concrete countermeasures are a state task and refusing full enclosure of the site or blanket assumption of risk.
- Magdeburg says it has earmarked about €250,000 for protective measures and will withhold the permit under the supervisory order, a move that coincided with the opening of the 2024 attacker’s trial in the city.
- Oberbürgermeisterin Borris and the city council chair appealed to Minister‑President Reiner Haseloff for urgent guidance and a uniform state rule as traders warn of existential consequences with a planned 20 November opening approaching.
- Rising security costs are reshaping markets elsewhere, with Overath canceling after roughly €17,500 in recent outlays and Kerpen reclassifying its event as a lower‑duty “Genussmarkt,” even as major Saxon markets proceed under adjusted concepts.