By Stephen Peter
She didn’t come by sleigh, but she had a tight program like Santa Claus. The Governing Mayoress opened five Christmas markets in just five hours on Monday.
Franziska Giffey (44, SPD) was well armed against the shivering cold: red coat, scarf and lined boots (brought to the office separately).
First appointment – the Christmas market in front of their office. Behind her ice rink and Ferris wheel: “I’m happy when so many people come here again and just have a happy pre-Christmas period,” said Giffey in her speech.
She held it several times on Monday (in a modified form). The reigning opening champion in her element. At the Alex a short chat with a carousel operator from Cottbus, in the marquee at Breitscheidplatz a mulled wine called “Hitzkopf”.
Five openings in a row supposedly don’t bother her. “I’ve been blessed with eight to ten appointments every day for a year,” said Giffey to the BZ. “We have about 60 Christmas markets in Berlin, so there’s still a lot of room for improvement.” Why she likes to do it. “There is so much work involved, there are so many people here who have really worked. I want to show my appreciation to the dealers and showmen.”
This appreciation is also bestowed upon the ruler himself. Again and again requests for souvenir photos, a little boy wants an autograph – and then passers-by keep calling out: “Good luck in February!” There is also an election campaign at the Christmas market…
She will probably visit the Christmas market in front of the Red Town Hall more often. “Klaus Wowereit came every day,” says one of the exhibitors. “The bar is set high,” laughs Giffey.
First appointment: In the afternoon, Giffey opened the Christmas market in front of the Red Town Hall and drank non-alcoholic punch. “We are glad that the Christmas markets are back and there are places to have a good time” Photo: Sven Darmer
Second stop on the market tour: Bebelplatz. This is the alternative quarters for the Gendarmenmarkt market. Unfortunately, the organizers were not allowed to set up a stage, and the authorities also do not allow loud music. On Monday, the children’s choir of the State Opera and performers from the Baroque Days were guests Photo: Sven Darmer
At Breitscheidplatz, Franziska Giffey spontaneously posed with market visitor Peter Bartel (63) from Lichtenrade. She defended the market’s festive lighting: “I think it’s important that we don’t save energy where the whole city is dark.” Photo: Sven Darmer
At the Memorial Church, the governor laid a flower to commemorate the Islamist terrorist attack of 2016 Photo: Sven Darmer
The market in front of Charlottenburg Palace was opened with torches. Giffey promised to work to keep the popular market alive Photo: Sven Darmer
Last date Monday evening – the gay and lesbian “Christmas Avenue” at Nollendorfplatz Photo: Sven Darmer