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Police Union Flags Elevated Threat as Christmas Markets Open in Rhineland-Palatinate

City marketing leaders warn that shifting security duties to organizers risks undermining the viability of markets.

Overview

  • The state branch of the police union reports a continued elevated and dynamic risk environment ranging from terrorist threats to spontaneous violent crimes.
  • Police say securing the markets requires significant annual personnel deployments, complicated by large crowds, dense urban settings, alcohol consumption and multiple access routes.
  • Mainz has revised and further developed its security concept for its market, with the city scheduled to brief the public on organization and oversight measures on Wednesday afternoon.
  • The national association for city and town marketing calls for uniform, reliable rules across Germany and argues that hazard prevention must remain a state responsibility.
  • A BCSD survey of 258 organizations found overall event costs rose 44% in three years and that rising security requirements are straining organizers, with Magdeburg’s market proceeding after permit uncertainty tied to safety concerns.