On the heels of a significant increase in far-right extremism, Germany’s domestic intelligence service reports that nearly 60,000 individuals are now classified as far-right extremists, posing a substantial threat to the country’s democracy. As of last year, this number has grown by over 8,000, with 58,700 identified extremists, according to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The agency’s head, Sinan Selen, emphasizes that German democracy is under constant attack, both from within and outside the country. Intelligence activities against Germany primarily originate from Russia, China, and Iran.
The growth of the Alternative für Deutschland party, with a membership of 70,000 in 2025, is cited as a major factor in the rise of far-right extremism. Of the identified extremists, 5,600 are estimated to have a propensity for violence. The party is set to hold its conference in Erfurt, prompting Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt to warn of potential violence during protests. The AfD’s influence is expanding, with the party polling at around 40% ahead of elections in Saxony-Anhalt, potentially leading to its first state-level government.
The report highlights the increasing focus of far-right groups on recruiting young people, with a record number of far-right music shows last year. Although the AfD was designated as a right-wing extremist group last year, the classification was suspended in February, and the party is still listed as a ‘suspected extremist organisation’. The domestic intelligence agency notes that right-wing extremist and conspiracy-theory narratives are frequently promoted by the AfD and other right-wing groups.
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📰 Source: BBC World