Christmas market in danger? Security costs cause excitement!

Christmas market in danger? Security costs cause excitement!

In anticipation of the festive season, concern about the Christmas markets in Germany is greater than ever. Rumors are circulating about possible cancellations, particularly due to increased security costs. But like that Mercury reported, there have been no nationwide cancellations so far this year. Of the approximately 7,000 Christmas markets in Germany, only two markets, the one-day “Christmas Party” in Sehnde and a classic Christmas market in Overath, have had to close their doors. The reason: exorbitant security costs.

These security costs drive the organizers crazy, like them daily news determines. Smaller markets in particular are severely affected by the financial burden. Four terror barriers were set up in Essen, complete with security personnel, which increased the cost to around 100,000 euros. The city of Essen has agreed to cover a large part of these costs, but not all municipalities are able to do so. In Overath, with its 26,000 residents, the municipality is not willing to contribute to the security costs, which led to the cancellation of the Christmas market.

The challenges for organizers

The biggest hurdle when planning Christmas markets is not the stage program or the artistic performances, but the security requirements. These are not only strenuous, but also expensive. Municipal emphasizes that the security requirements include structural protection against possible vehicle attacks as well as well-planned escape and rescue routes. The increased security service also contributes to the cost explosion. These special requirements result from police and regulatory law.

The Federal Association of Event Security reports that the increasing requirements are particularly causing problems for smaller markets. It is becoming increasingly difficult to create a security concept that covers all risks without exploding costs. Sunday surcharges in the security industry in particular contribute to the financial burden on organizers. Dennis Eichenbrenner, the association's chairman, also criticizes the focus on access protection. He calls for more attention to be paid to other security risks, such as knife violence.

Political dimensions and necessary solutions

The issue serves as a platform for political actors, especially from the AfD, to propagate alleged cancellations without any proven facts. Critics of the current situation fear that structural underfunding in many municipalities not only endangers the Christmas market festival, but also represents a general security problem.

A rethink seems urgently necessary. The German Association of Cities and Municipalities calls on the states to distribute the costs of security measures more efficiently. The use of inter-municipal cooperation to reduce costs can reduce the pressure on smaller municipalities and ultimately help to ensure that the popular markets are not only present in public, but can also take place in reality.