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Merz Calls for Unified Christmas Market Security Standards as Magdeburg’s Opening Faces Uncertainty

State approval for Magdeburg remains pending despite a tightened protection plan.

Overview

  • The chancellor backed nationwide coordination so markets can adopt common protections, while stressing that security remains a task for state police.
  • Magdeburg’s market has not yet been cleared to open after the Landesverwaltungsamt initially withheld approval over safety concerns.
  • City officials in Magdeburg strengthened their protection concept, and approval could follow if authorities deem the revisions sufficient.
  • Braunschweig expanded vehicle-access barriers and plans to open its market from November 26 to December 29 after reassessing risks last year.
  • More than 7,000 markets are registered across Germany, with only a few cancellations reported, including Overath due to a lack of funds for security.