The tragic events of last Friday at the Christmas market in Magdeburg shocked not only Germany, but also the whole of Europe. A car crashed into a crowd at high speed, killing five people and injuring more than two hundred. The perpetrator of the incident, a 50-year-old psychiatrist from Saudi Arabia who received asylum in Germany, was arrested immediately on the spot. His past has already attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies: a known critic of Islam, he has repeatedly threatened violence. This case caused a wave of discussion in the European press about how to classify the event and what conclusions should be drawn. The focus is not only on the circumstances of the crime itself, but also its impact on the perception of immigration policy, the problem of radicalization and the challenges facing a multicultural society.
Discussions in the mass media take on different shades: from debates about the radicalization of certain population groups to reflections on the threats that hide the growing social and cultural tensions in contemporary Europe. Some publications emphasize the need to rethink the asylum policy, others emphasize the importance of creating new approaches to the diagnosis and prevention of radical attitudes among individuals. Publications from different countries address the topic, discussing whether this terrorist attack could have been avoided and how to ensure the safety of citizens in the future. The German press focuses on the role of law enforcement and the prevention of such crimes. French journalists emphasize the lessons for the whole of the EU, while British media draw parallels with past similar tragedies. In the general discourse there is concern: whether Europe can maintain its openness and tolerance in a world where the threat of violence is increasing.
La Stampa – Italy. The tragedy in Magdeburg has torn Europe from the arms of illusions, – states the Turin La Stampa:
“We always have hope that we got rid of terrorism, but this is an illusion. The horror is returning. The danger has not gone anywhere. If it came to that, we simply forgot about it. The terrorist attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg was arranged according to all the canons of “homemade” terrorism, that is, the one that is the most difficult to defend against, since its face can become a neighbor – and it does not require the use of any special weapon it’s a driver’s license. And who doesn’t have it? The attack in Magdeburg showed the vulnerability of our society. It strikes where we are most defenseless.”
Die Presse – Austria. The Viennese Die Presse pays tribute to the reaction of the Germans:
“To this terrible news from Magdeburg, which came shortly before Christmas, the country reacted impressively – thoughtfully, with empathy and dignity, even on the football field. This commonality and the ability to find the right tone is what distinguishes Germany in such situations. The leading media began to publish investigations, rather than rushing to conclusions of a general nature, and politicians did not immediately place the blame on their competitors… German society is unified the impulse first of all showed compassion – and plunged into mourning.”
Handelsblatt – Germany. According to the Düsseldorf Handelsblatt, this terrorist attack does not fit into the known framework:
“Of course, the relevant departments should be more vigilant. Obviously, the information was received, but it was not given due importance. And a former Muslim, who is burning with the desire to take revenge on Germany for the fact that it, they say, is too tolerant of Islamists, is something new. Even the most vigilant the state cannot provide absolute protection.
The most important lesson to be learned from the Magdeburg tragedy is this: polarization kills. The task of countering it cannot be left only to the state, which is already overloaded with worries. Online platforms where radicalization takes place are also responsible. Messy conspiracy theories tend to turn into something bloody very quickly.”
Politiken – Denmark. Such acts of terrorism should not destroy peaceful coexistence within society, warns Copenhagen Politiken:
“We know that the eternal goal of terrorism is to instill a sense of fear and defenselessness in citizens. Unfortunately, a free society cannot be completely immune to terrible crimes like the one committed at the Christmas market. Yes, there are crazy and evil people. But the European Union is an oasis of calm and stability in a troubled world. Murder and terror are the norm. Come on let’s appreciate it – and better protect ourselves in the future.”
NRC Handelsblad – The Netherlands. Anti-immigrant parties will cling to this tragedy, the Amsterdam NRC predicts:
“The country is in a state of alarm. A terrorist attack on a Christmas market is an attack on German traditions, on the German way of life. And no matter how crazy the alleged criminal may be, he is first and foremost a foreigner. On Saturday evening, a memorial service for the victims was held in Magdeburg Cathedral , demonstrators in other areas of the city chanted “Remigration!”. The more debates in society on topic of migration, the more electoral advantages the Alternative for Germany party will be able to gain.”
