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Security Tightened at German Christmas Markets as Costs Climb, Cities Urge Federal Support

Municipal leaders say funding high-cost anti-terror protections belongs with federal and state governments.

Overview

  • The Deutscher Städtetag, represented by Christian Schuchardt, called for federal and state financing of measures designed to prevent terror attacks at markets.
  • Magdeburg’s Christmas market was cleared to open after a crisis meeting agreed on additional risk‑minimising steps, with the city planning a police walkthrough before the 20 November start.
  • In North Rhine-Westphalia, Overath canceled its market and Kerpen scaled back, as Interior Minister Herbert Reul called the decisions regrettable but said safety cannot be compromised.
  • Bavarian cities detailed reinforced concepts: Munich plans selective bag checks, video surveillance and secured vehicle access without general entry controls, while Nürnberg, Regensburg and Bamberg add heavy barriers and more security patrols.
  • Organisers report steep new expenses, including roughly €30,000 extra security costs in Dachau and past five‑figure rentals for concrete protections, and Kempten moved its small stage indoors after GEMA fees surged.