Berlin – The Christmas market season has begun, but since the deadly attacks in Berlin in 2016 and Magdeburg in 2024, the festive mood has been quiet. The Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) promised maximum vigilance to secure Christmas markets in Germany. Because the ministry told BILD clearly: this market is “attractive”, especially for Islamic terrorists.
Reason: “The special attention paid by the public and the media to incidents has a very disturbing effect – it makes such places attractive to Islamic organizations.” This means that the best moment of the year for millions of people is seen by extremists as a terrorist target full of symbolic power.
The police and authorities are ready
A survey conducted by opinion research agency Yougov showed: Two-thirds of Germans are concerned about safety at Christmas markets. Only 35 percent walked without worry.
A BMI spokesperson further explained: “Due to the high volume of visitors, open access options and central location, Christmas markets are particularly attractive to certain groups of actors.” BUT: The police and authorities are ready. The Interior Ministry assured: “Federal and state security authorities regularly observe and analyze the incident from a risk perspective.”
There is no concrete evidence of an attack plan, but maximum vigilance is maintained. Recent developments in the international security situation – “in relation to Islamic terrorism, the threat of right-wing extremists or Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine” – are of course also taken into account. Cities and communities are expected to receive better protection through programs such as “Police Crime Prevention” and new safety standards for vehicle barriers.
Christmas markets open: “Festivals should not be a fortress”
