German Intelligence: Extremists Rising Amid Far-Right Party Growth

Germany is experiencing a rise in extremists, with the country's domestic intelligence agency directly linking this trend to the increasing membership of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD). The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) estimated in its annual report that 58,700 people were categorized as potential right-wing extremists last year, marking an increase of 8,450 from the previous year.

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The number of extremists in Germany is increasing, primarily linked to the growing membership of the far-right party 'Alternative for Germany' (AfD).

Internal AfD data indicates the party had 70,000 members in October 2025, with the BfV estimating that approximately 28,000 of them are right-wing extremists. The anti-immigrant AfD, Germany's largest opposition group, has been under observation by the intelligence service for years due to suspicions of unconstitutional activities. The BfV had previously classified the party as a "confirmed right-wing extremist organization" in May 2025, citing its disregard for human dignity and threat to democracy, though the use of this designation was halted after an AfD legal challenge. Several regional AfD branches have also been declared confirmed extremist organizations.

The BfV report also indicates a growth in left-wing extremism, with 42,200 individuals attributed to this spectrum nationwide in 2025, up from 38,000 the previous year. While left-wing extremists have recently gained attention for attacks on infrastructure, experts find it difficult to penetrate this milieu. The report suggests a possible network behind the "Vulkan Group," using the name as an "label" and acknowledging potential links between various groups. The agency believes the increased support for left-wing extremist groups is connected to shifts within the far-right, anticipating that "militant anti-fascism" will remain significant amid a perceived "rightward turn" in society.

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In the past year, 58,700 people fell into the category of potential right-wing extremists, which is 8,450 more than the previous year.

Geopolitical events are also cited as factors influencing the rise in extremism. The BfV suggests that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has contributed to the growth of left-wing extremism by motivating individuals to commit criminal acts for "anti-militarist reasons." The agency notes the war in the Middle East is also a factor, though details were not elaborated upon in the provided text.

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Given the noticeable 'rightward turn' in society among members of this movement, it can be assumed that 'militant anti-fascism' will maintain its important role and that many left-wing extremist crimes and acts of violence will continue to be committed in this context.