Christmas markets in danger: security precautions under fire!

Christmas markets in danger: security precautions under fire!

The issue of security at Christmas markets is becoming increasingly pressing in Germany. Especially after the frightening events of recent years, including the fatal attacks in 2016 and 2024, security requirements are continually growing. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) makes it clear that the threat from terrorism is currently really high. He made these comments after the arrest of a 22-year-old Syrian who is suspected of having planned an attack. Serious words that underline the importance of tightening security measures. Loud Mercury Security expert Stefan Bisanz also sees a concrete threat that is already influencing preparations for the upcoming Christmas markets.

It is precisely the high number of visitors and the cultural significance of these Christmas markets that make them “soft targets” for extremized individual perpetrators. Security experts warn that the global rise of radical Islamism is further increasing the risk. Hans-Jakob Schindler, a leading terrorism expert, reports growing terror, not only in the Middle East but also in European cities. IS is planning to become active outside of Afghanistan, including in metropolises like Moscow. These factors are driving up security costs for operators and municipalities, whose financial burden is leading to the first market cancellations, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia. RND reports that smaller Christmas markets in Overath and Kerpen in particular are not taking place because the required security measures represent financial hurdles.

Tightened security measures and challenges

In order to counteract the growing threats, the security requirements for Christmas markets are now becoming even stricter. Driveways must be secured with concrete blocks and bag checks must be carried out. At Berlin's Breitscheidplatz in particular, security precautions remain in place all year round, and additional security for the Christmas market starts before the opening on November 24th. Nevertheless, Bisanz criticizes the fact that many operators rely on cost-effective security solutions and often employ inadequately trained security guards. These security employees only have to complete a 40-hour training course - no exam is required. This means that security guards are sometimes inattentive and “doodle” on their cell phones instead of keeping an eye on their surroundings.

In discussions about security costs, operators and municipalities are demanding a fair distribution. At the moment, operators are bearing the brunt and often rely on staff who work for 25 euros per hour instead of investing in better trained workers who work at 33 euros per hour. The President of the German Showmen's Association, however, assures that there are no widespread cancellations, but only isolated ones. This shows an interesting picture: it reflects the balance between security, costs and the desire to maintain the tradition of Christmas markets.

The security authorities play a central role in this situation. The data and trends show that there are increasingly new dangers that need to be taken into account this year. We will have to monitor how the situation develops in the coming weeks and what measures are ultimately taken to protect visitors.