Far-Right Extremism in Germany Hits Record High: AfD Members Account for 40%
Around forty percent of the reported extremist individuals in Germany are affiliated with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Looking out for the safety of the nation, Interior Minister Dobrindt warns that the constitutional order is under constant attack. The latest domestic intelligence report reveals a staggering increase in far-right extremists, now numbering over 50,000, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) having a defining role in this surge.
From a mere 11,300 in 2023, the number of far-right extremists within the AfD has skyrocketed to over 20,000 - making them by far the party with the most extremists. This significant rise has raised concerns, considering the AfD boasts a membership of 52,000.
The vice-president of the domestic intelligence agency, Sinan Selen, emphasizes the AfD's key position in the escalation of far-right extremism. "Topics are brought into the realm of the sayable," he states, indicating the party's influence on the radical right-wing movement.
But what about a potential ban on the AfD? Dobrindt remains hesitant. While he acknowledges the party's far-right extremist nature, he suggests a political approach, stating, "We should confront the AfD politically, manage it from the center."
The escalating threat of far-right extremism extends beyond party lines, with the domestic intelligence agency also reporting a surge in left-wing extremists, standing at 38,000.
However, it's not just the traditional political spectrum that poses a danger. The report also highlights an alarming trend of online radicalization targeting young people, who are guided into extremist mindsets and often act upon them with remarkable speed.
Cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns, such as those believed to originate from Russia, further complicate the situation. Dobrindt refers to these actors as "disposable agents" and emphasizes the constant and increasing challenge they pose to the nation's defense.
The latest report is a sobering reminder of the steady erosion of Germany's democratic values. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the race to quell extremism and preserve the constitutional order grows ever more urgent.
- Amid the escalating far-right extremism in Germany, the EC countries and global news outlets have been closely monitoring the political landscape, particularly the role of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), as the party continues to pose a significant threat to democratic values.
- On the flip side, while the AfD's influence on far-right extremism is a major concern, the report also highlights an increasing trend of online radicalization, involving cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns, which often target young people and further complicate politics in the general-news sphere.
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