Far-Right Extremism on the Rise in Germany
Right-wing extremists continue to pose the greatest threat to German democracy, with their numbers rising significantly to 58,700 in the past year, according to the country's domestic intelligence service.
This figure represents an increase of over 8,000 compared to the previous year, as detailed in the agency's annual report. The report also highlights a rise in extreme left-wing violence, which it describes as a serious concern for Germany's rule of law.
Ongoing Threats to German Democracy
Sinan Selen, head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), stated that German democracy is under "practically permanent attack" from both internal and external sources.
The intelligence agency identified that hostile activities targeting Germany primarily originate from Russia, China, and Iran.
Details on Right-Wing Extremists and AfD's Influence
Among the right-wing extremists identified by the BfV, approximately 5,600 are considered to have a propensity for violence.
The agency attributes the increase in right-wing extremists largely to the growth of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, whose membership expanded to 70,000 in 2025.
The AfD is scheduled to hold its party conference in the eastern city of Erfurt over the weekend. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has warned of potential violence during protests against the event, emphasizing that protests must remain non-violent.
In the federal elections last year, the AfD secured second place, winning a record 152 seats out of 630 in the parliament with 20.8% of the vote.
Current polls indicate the party is polling at about 40% ahead of the September elections in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. This level of support could grant the AfD an overall majority, enabling it to form its first state-level government.
Far-Right Recruitment and Cultural Influence
The report notes that far-right groups are increasingly targeting children and young people, recruiting new members at far-right music events, which also reached a record number last year.
Legal Status and Controversies Surrounding the AfD
The AfD was designated as a right-wing extremist group last year; however, this classification was suspended in February following the party's legal challenge against the BfV's decision. A court ruling on the matter is still pending.
The German foreign ministry defended the suspension at the time, despite criticism from US officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described the move as "tyranny in disguise," and Vice-President JD Vance, who claimed the Berlin Wall was being rebuilt.
The domestic intelligence agency continues to list the AfD as a "suspected extremist organisation." The latest report states:
"Given the rising membership figures, it can be assumed that the pool of individuals with extremist leanings within the AfD has also expanded accordingly."
The report further observes that "right-wing extremist and conspiracy-theory narratives - such as that of a 'population exchange' or the 'Great Replacement' - are frequently picked up" by the AfD and other right-wing groups.
Other Far-Right Groups and Extremism Trends
The report identifies approximately 26,000 far-right extremists affiliated with the "Reichsbürger" (Reich Citizens) and "Selbstverwalter" (self-administrator) groups.
These groups reject the legitimacy of the Federal Republic, refusing to recognize its constitution, laws, and authorities, and often propagate conspiracy theories and antisemitic narratives, the report states.
Left-Wing Extremism and Other Threats
Left-wing extremism also saw growth, with the number of individuals involved increasing by 4,200 last year to reach 42,200. The report notes a significant rise in violence directed at suspected right-wing extremists and police officers.
Additionally, there was a slight increase in the number of individuals involved in Islamism or "Islamist terrorism," with figures rising to 28,645, according to the agency.
