City Official Responds to Press Reports: No Christmas Market Ban Warrant Issued by Mayor
In the heart of Magdeburg, a long-standing dispute concerning the expansion of the Milk Institute's Christmas market has taken a new turn.
The Milk Institute's application to expand its beer garden for the 2025 Christmas market was submitted last year. However, the expansion plan has faced a partial rejection, as reported by the city authorities on August 18, 2025.
Mayor Simone Borris has been at the centre of the controversy, with questions raised about her handling of the matter. The controversy stemmed from an email exchange between the Mayor and the IG Innenstadt, a local interest group, regarding the equal treatment of all Christmas markets, including fire protection and safety measures.
In an unexpected turn, the Mayor apologised for using disrespectful and inappropriate language in an email to the IG Innenstadt. She clarified that her statement about maintaining equal conditions for all Christmas markets was misunderstood and referred exclusively to questions of fire protection and safety.
In response to the concerns raised by the IG Innenstadt, Mayor Borris has taken proactive steps. She has ordered all decisions regarding the Milk Institute to be collected and forwarded to the responsible deputy mayor to ensure that all fire protection and safety issues have been regulated.
The Mayor has also been actively communicating with the IG Innenstadt and has responded promptly to their concerns. Notably, she postponed a major track construction project in the northern section of the Breiten Weg to minimise the burden on the city centre and its traders.
In a bid to improve signage in the city centre, the Mayor has also shown support for better signage due to the closure of bridges on the Magdeburger Ring. The initiative for both the construction project postponement and the signage support came from the IG Innenstadt.
The Milk Institute, which received all the desired permits in 2024, has again requested support and an examination of the matter. Mayor Borris has assured that she will inform the city council about the matter at the next meeting on August 28.
Looking back, Mayor Borris stated that she has always complied with applicable law during her 35 years in the Magdeburg city administration. The source of the information is the State Capital Magdeburg on August 18, 2025.
Despite the controversy, Mayor Borris remains committed to ensuring the safety and fairness of all Christmas markets in Magdeburg. The city council will discuss the matter further at the meeting on August 28, providing an opportunity for all parties to voice their concerns and find a resolution.
Read also:
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Uncovering Political Ad Transparency: A Guide to Investigating opponent's Political Advertisements in the Digital Realm
- Elon Musk praises JD Vance's debate performance against Tim Walz
- Right-wing Israeli minister supports controversial plan for West Bank settlement expansion
