Status: 02.12.2023, 06:15 a.m.
By: Moritz Bletzinger
CommentsPrint Share
The risk of attacks has "increased drastically," warns the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. But what does this mean for the Christmas market season in Germany?
Munich – Fear of terror instead of Advent mood in Germany? Presumably planned attacks on Christmas markets are depressing the joy of winter. In a new report, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution warns that the risk of attacks has "increased drastically".
"Terror alarm at Germany's Christmas markets": DPolG chief Wendt sounds the alarm
The head of the German Police Union (DPolG), Rainer Wendt, puts it even more clearly in the Bild: "After the warning of the Israeli prime minister, there is a terror alert at Germany's Christmas markets. Because of their Christian background, these events are the target of attacks by Islamist terrorists."
Raising the terror alarm for Germany: DPolG chief Rainer Wendt (left) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. © Ronny Hartmann/picture alliance/dpa/dpa-Zentralbild/Xinhua/Imago
"You're next, you understand. Germany, Europe. Hamas is part of the terrorist axis of Iran, Hezbollah, the Houthis and others," Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview. But is the danger really that acute?
Attacks on Christmas markets in Germany? This is how the police assess the terror situation
There is no reason to refrain from visiting Christmas markets, says the Dresden police at the request of IPPEN. MEDIA. Among other things, the large Striezelmarkt (an average of two million visitors per year) takes place in Dresden.
Nevertheless, the Dresden police emphasizes that caution is advised. "We don't have any concrete indications at the moment, but we continue to assume an abstract danger. Our deployment concept, which has been tried and tested for the Striezelmarkt and the other Dresden Christmas markets for several years, will remain in place."
This means that the police are present in the city centre on a daily basis and have intervention forces on hand who can move out immediately if the worst comes to the worst.
My news
5b-like weather conditions in Germany: Warning level red in Bavaria – severe restrictions reportedread
Germany's cold capital shivers: "We're not doing well at all"read
After Ofarim's confession: Ex-wife Verena posts cryptic sentence on InstagramRead
Hundreds of jobs are at stake: Automotive supplier closes plant in Baden-Württemberg read
Porsche tops up Christmas bonus again in 2023 - here's how much you can read at the sports car manufacturer
Baden-Württemberg is home to the largest sauna in the world.
No concrete threat to the Christmas markets: But Munich police have been warned
The Munich police also relies on a "further developed operational concept, which has already proven itself in many points in recent years". In a press release, the Presidium speaks of an abstract threat situation, "which in the years before the Corona pandemic mainly related to the area of 'Islamist-motivated extremism'". The police clarify: "This year, of course, findings and assessments from current developments in the Middle East will also be taken into account."
At the moment, however, there is no evidence of a concrete threat to the Christmas markets, emphasizes the Munich police. However, incidents such as the one in Cologne are taken into account in the assessment of the situation. In the district of Munich, the risk of an attack is considered low.
Munich Police Sticks to Proven Concept – Tollwood Relies on Authorities
Marienplatz will also be under video surveillance this year. For this purpose, the police are installing 18 cameras around the Christmas market. This has proven its worth in recent years. The city is also again hiring a security service to send strips of stewards to the area.
Thick concrete bollards protect Breitscheidplatz in Berlin: Since the attack in 2016, Christmas markets in Germany have been well protected, says the Showmen's Association. © Jürgen Held/Imago
At the Tollwood Festival, the organizer himself uses security personnel. In addition, police patrols are also on site there, as a spokeswoman at the request of IPPEN. MEDIA explains. In assessing the situation, the organiser relies on the authorities and is in close contact with the police.
In addition, the Tollwood spokeswoman emphasizes: "We are always vigilant and pay attention to the safety of our visitors." The organizer sensitizes the Tollwood employees as well as the restaurant and market operators every year.
Police do not adjust measures after terror alert: "Already at a high level"
And even in Cologne, where two teenagers were arrested for terror plans, the police remain calm for the time being. "At the moment, there is no apparent reason for further adjustments," says Chief of Investigation Michael Esser. But: "Of course, this can change at any time. If this is the case, I will respond immediately. For the Christmas season, it is important to me that we show our presence and that we can quickly identify and act on abnormalities with civilian forces."
In addition, Esser emphasizes: "The measures taken by the Cologne police in this already tense security situation are already at a high level."
"Take such statements very seriously": This is what the showman boss says about the terror warning in Germany
Apparently, the police in Germany are not unsettled. But what about those who spend the whole of December at the Christmas market? Around 5000 fairground families live in Germany and run attractions and stalls at the markets.
"We take such reports and statements very seriously," says Frank Hakelberg, Managing Director of the German Showmen's Association (DSB) to IPPEN. MEDIA. Nevertheless, there is anticipation of winter among the showmen. "We trust the authorities to work with us," says Hakelberg.
Frank Hakelberg, Managing Director of the German Showmen's Association, trusts the authorities and is looking forward to the Christmas market season. © DPO
The trust is great, but the key moment is all the more tragic. The showman boss explains: "Security at Christmas markets has been much better since 2016 and has not slowed down since then." In 2016, the attack on the Christmas market at Berlin's Breitscheidplatz took place. "Now every Christmas market has a security concept." (moe)