Dresden wants to strengthen security at Christmas markets

Dresden wants to increase security at the Christmas markets around the famous Striezelmarkt this year. "Generally speaking, the Altmarkt and Neumarkt have always had a closed access protection system," said Security Mayor Jan Pratzka in Dresden with regard to the security measures. At the Striezelmarkt, for example, mobile barriers prevent cars from entering.

"Where we have significantly developed the security concept is at all of our concession markets," said Pratzka. This includes the Christmas markets on Hauptstraße and Prager Straße, for example. The city intends to provide details in the coming week.

Security concerns in Magdeburg

While Dresden's Striezelmarkt, the oldest Christmas market in Germany, is due to open on November 26, the Christmas market in Magdeburg has not been approved for the time being. According to the city, this was due to unanswered questions regarding the security concept, which the State Administration Office had raised with the city. The Magdeburg Christmas market is actually due to open on November 20.

The discussion coincides with the start of the trial against the assassin who drove a car through the Magdeburg Christmas market last year. Six people were killed and more than 300 injured, some of them seriously. The trial began on Monday.