Subscribe to our social channels to get the latest news about Hungary!
Don’t panic if you see more police officers in the Hungarian Christmas markets – UPDATE with PHOTOS
Change language:
According to the official website of the Hungarian Police, plainclothes police officers will flood Hungarian Christmas markets after the brutal car attack a 50-year-old doctor with Saudi origins committed at the Magdeburg Christmas fair. Prominent politicians of the Orbán cabinet continued to criticise Germany’s welcome culture during which millions of illegal migrants arrived in the country. FM Szijjártó talked about an atmosphere of fear in the European Christmas markets.
More Hungarian police officers in Christmas markets
According to police.hu, more plainclothes police officers will stand on duty in the Hungarian Christmas fairs following the brutal car attack a Saudi doctor carried out at the Magdeburg Christmas fair on Friday. The aim is to improve the subjective perception of safety and prevent crimes committed in public spaces. The increased police presence will affect not only the markets but also the downtown of Budapest, and bigger rural towns and the main roads leading to these settlements.
Furthermore, visitors may see physical obstacles around the Christmas markets, increasing safety and preventing similar attacks. Police ask everybody to pay attention to their valuables and follow their instructions for everybody’s sake.
Hungary’s Counter-Terrorism Centre increases presence
According to 444.hu, units of Hungary’s Counter-Terrorism Centre (TEK) are also present in the Budapest and rural Christmas fairs, especially at the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Fair and the Advent Bazilika. Both Christmas markets were chosen as Europe’s best ones. TEK said they would like to reduce their reaction time and improve the participants’ sense of safety by being present in and in close proximity to the Christmas fairs.
According to Délmagyar, the organisers of the Szeged Christmas fair also increased security after the Magdeburg attack. For example, they closed the great gate connecting the Dóm Square with the Aradi vértanúk Square, which might be used for a similar attack against the large crowds gathering to celebrate the Advent period in front of the Szeged Basilica. Of course, pedestrians can continue to use the side gates.
All French and Austrian Christmas markets were awash in (para)military and police – complete with car traps and assault rifles … So, no. No “fear” as per Mr. Szijjártó – not one to ever miss out on abusing a tragic event for political gain. Unfortunately, there is a lot of “crazy” in the world, at the moment. I would wait to hear from investigations before getting carried away with any analysis.
Speaking of which – any “thoughts and prayers” for Ukrainians under sustained Russian attack?
Hope the TEK guys manage to avoid getting their APC tagged by graffiti artists at the Bazilika, this year!