Christmas market security: Experts warn of increased risk of terrorism

Christmas market security: Experts warn of increased risk of terrorism

In the Christmas season, Potsdamer Platz becomes a festive center that inspires with a traditional Christmas market and the impressive winter world. Between waiting for the glittering lights and the seductive fragrance of punch and roasted almonds, the market offers a fantastic framework for Christmas shopping and winter activities. The winter world is open every day until January 1, 2025 and ensures that the magical place captivates visitors, while the largest mobile toboggan run in Europe promises great joy, as Potsdamerplatz.de reports.

fears about the safety of the Christmas markets

Despite the festive atmosphere, the concern for security at the Christmas markets in Berlin remains present. This was particularly noticeable after the devastating terrorist attack at Breitscheidplatz in 2016, in which 13 people died. According to experts, the Christmas market at Potsdamer Platz is a potential goal for attacks, especially in the current global political situation. Francis Seijas, a luminary in terms of access protection, expressed that 80 percent of Christmas markets in Germany are considered unsafe. The security measures in Berlin are also raved about, which he classifies as insufficient. A UN Security officer even goes so far as to name this market as a "negative example" and strongly recommends avoiding it if you want to make Christmas purchases with your family, like berlin-live.de reported.

While the operators of the market, including Arnold Bergmann, try to appear confidently and indicate the number of security precautions, the skepticism and the feeling of uncertainty remains among the experts and possibly also with many visitors. The debate about the security measures will probably continue in the capital in the coming weeks, while the Berlin and tourists want to immerse yourself in the Christmas mood.