By dpa / TIN24 Editor AMIT ALHAT
November 18, 2025, 15:13
Halle, Germany – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed the implementation of common security standards for Christmas markets nationwide, following a series of deadly attacks in recent years.
“We naturally support any form of coordination and harmonization of security concepts, because we have this problem – namely the protection of Christmas markets – in all federal states,” Merz stated during a visit to the city of Halle in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.
He emphasized that the federal government backs efforts to establish “common standards” to ensure consistent protection across the country.
Uncertainty looms over whether traditional Christmas markets – beloved for their wooden huts, mulled wine, sweet stalls, and sausage grills – will proceed in parts of Saxony-Anhalt amid heightened safety concerns.
Last year, a man drove a vehicle through the market in the state capital of Magdeburg, resulting in six deaths and hundreds of injuries. The driver is currently on trial at Magdeburg District Court.
This incident echoes the tragic attack at a central Berlin market in December 2016, which claimed 13 lives.
“It really upsets me that we can no longer organize Christmas markets even in smaller towns without having to have a comprehensive security concept,” Merz remarked on Tuesday.
He expressed hope that an agreement could be reached to allow the Magdeburg market to open as scheduled in the coming days.
Author: The India News 24
TIN24 (The India News 24) The India News 24 (TIN24) is a Mumbai-based news Digital Media focusing on breaking news, local and regional issues in India, with content primarily in Marathi. It was established with an X (Twitter) presence since July 2022. Owner & News Editor: Amit Alhat Education: BA in Mass Communication Journalism (Graduate) Experience: 12 years in journalism Platforms: - Website: https://theindianews24.in - X (Twitter): https://x.com/the_indianews24 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theindianews247 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindianews_24
