Sadness and anger in Magdeburg after Christmas market attack

There is sadness here – but there is also anger.

Many people here view this attack as a terrible security lapse. It’s a claim authorities have denied, although they have admitted the attacker entered the market using a route planned for emergency services.

“There should have been better security,” said Michael, who came to pay tribute to the victims.

“We should have prepared better, but it wasn’t done right.”

While standing at the security cordon, I heard a group of locals loudly complaining about German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and regional politicians.

“They’re wasting our tax money, they’re just looking out for themselves. They don’t care about us. We’re just hearing empty promises,” said one person.

“They want to reverse what happened here and put the blame on the opposition and use it for their election campaign.

A demonstration was held nearby on Saturday evening, around the same time as the square in front of Magdeburg’s Gothic cathedral was filled with mourners following the memorial service.

Protesters held “Move Now!” They held a banner that read – a concept popular among the far-right – and shouted, “Those who don’t like Germany must leave Germany.”