Reporter’s Diary – Vulnerability of Christmas markets in Germany

World
Europe

In the lead-up to Christmas, Germany’s more than 2,600 annual festive markets have again opened up to the public. Many would argue that there is no better way to bring in the season than browsing over the countless merry trinkets and stocking stuffers, while filling your stomach with traditional German sausage and Gluwhine.

It’s been a year since this joyful, festive atmosphere was shattered at a Berlin Christmas market, when a truck plowed into the crowds killing 12 people and wounding 60 others.

Some of the many handmade festive trinkets and stocking stuffers on offer at one of Germany’s traditional Christmas markets. / CGTN Photo

The suspect was a 24-year-old Tunisian refugee with ties to ISIL awaiting deportation. He was later killed in a shootout with police in Italy.

Authorities were quick to assure the public that security has been heightened this year.

As Christmas markets reopened across the country last week, the German Interior Ministry said information sharing has been increased between the state and federal levels, and other measures have been taken in order to step up security at popular annual festivities.

Barriers have been set up at access points to Christmas markets across the country, either in the form of parked vehicles or cement blocks. More police patrols are visible.

A stand selling Gluehine, a traditional German Christmas drink made of hot red wine and spices. / CGTN Photo

Still, a market in Potsdam, just outside the capitol was evacuated last week after authorities found an “unconventional explosive device”.

Police later confirmed the package was unrelated to terrorism and the market, but it exposed how vulnerable these traditional events can still be.

ISIL has threatened to disrupt Christian Christmas festivities across Europe.

Yet many visiting the Munich Christmas market in the city’s central Marienplatz area say past attacks have little influence on how they feel this year.

Croatian tourist Luca said the presence of many police officers made him feel safe. While Richard from England said he was simply more aware of his surroundings. He also added that despite the increase in security, the happy, Christmassy atmosphere of the markets remained.

Revelers purchase Gluwhine, a traditional German Christmas drink made of hot red wine and spices at one of the 25 Christmas markets in Munich. / ‍CGTN Photo

Munich locals Cornelius and Adrian, who run a local stall at the market, both agreed that they have never felt unsafe and have seen no change in the number of people visiting their stall this year compared to last.

Yet this question of security is a hot topic back in Berlin as politicians work to form a new government following the failure of Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union party to win a majority in September elections.

Many blame Angela Markel’s liberal refugee policies for allowing terrorists, posing as refugees, into Germany.

Well over a million people were admitted into the country during the height of the refugee crisis two years ago, most of them have since applied for asylum.

If no further security concerns arise, Christmas markets across the country will remain open until Christmas Eve on December 24.

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