Increasing Radicalization: Far-right Trends Rise in Lower Saxony's AfD Membership - Constitutional shielding of AfD in Lower Saxony: Rights of the far-right party safeguarded by the constitution
Revamped Report: 2024 Constitutional Watchdog's Alarm on AfD Lower Saxony's Far-Right Shift
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The AfD in Lower Saxony is seeing a significant shift towards the far-right, reveals the analysis of the constitution watchdog. While not every member of the AfD espouses anti-constitutional ideologies, according to the constitution watchdog president, Dirk Pejril, the number of far-right extremists within the party and its then youth organization Junge Alternative has surged from 600 to 850 members. Moreover, these extreme forces have managed to expand their power and influence within the AfD.
Since May 2022, the constitution watchdog has listed the AfD state association as a suspect. This classification was extended in 2024. The watchdog has until May 2026 to decide whether it considers the party to be securely far-right or not. An extension as a suspect after that point is not an option.
Pejril hinted that the decision on this matter may come earlier, but he could not reveal any concrete trend. If the AfD is designated as an observation object, the constitution watchdog could potentially deploy undercover agents to gather intelligence.
"It's crucial to keep a watchful eye on the AfD's development," said Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD). The current classification of the AfD as a suspect, therefore, is appropriate.
AfD's parliamentary group chairman, Klaus Wichmann, accused the government of using the constitution watchdog to maintain power. The AfD, he argued, is being bombarded with artificially constructed suspicions.
Right-wing extremism beyond the AfD has witnessed an increase, according to the constitution watchdog. The number of potential extremist individuals has risen from 1,690 to 1,970 people.
The neo-Nazi scene, in particular, has grown from 220 to 270 individuals. Pejril is particularly concerned about how young people, especially at the intersection of neo-Nazism and sub-cultural scenes, are specifically targeted. He warned of the potential for this pool of potential extremists to solidify and bind younger people to neo-Nazism.
The number of so-called Reich citizens and self-administrators has increased by 100 to approximately 1,180 individuals. Of these, 40 individuals are also associated with the far-right extremist scene, with this proportion remaining consistent.
Minister Behrens left no doubt that she considers far-right extremism to be the most significant threat to society: "This ideology exploits the insecurities and worries of people, reinforces fears, rejection, and hatred, and offers no answers."
Middle East conflict and anti-Semitism
The constitution watchdog asserts that the Middle East conflict unites various extremists at pro-Palestinian demonstrations, with anti-Semitism serving as a unifying bond.
"Islamists, Palestinian extremists, Turkish right-wing extremists, as well as German and Turkish left-wing extremists, are united by their hatred of Israel and Jewish women and men," said Behrens. This unified hatred is often displayed at pro-Palestinian rallies or through the spread of hate, incitement, propaganda, or disinformation on social media.
The ongoing conflicts between Israel and Iran further increase the escalation potential in this area, according to Pejril.
Ukraine war and espionage
Hybrid threats, such as espionage and sabotage, have also increased in relation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Almost daily, there are unauthorized drone flights over critical infrastructure or military facilities. Security agencies suspect Russia to often be responsible, but definitive attribution is not possible.
"It's no coincidence that military security areas are being overflown when, for example, Ukrainian soldiers are being trained on German or European weapons systems," said Pejril.
Behrens stated that hybrid threats aim to unsettle people and destabilize democratic societies. These threats must be consistently and actively countered.
Islamism
The number of Salafists has decreased from 700 to 650 individuals, but this decrease should not be dismissed as a reason to lower our guard, according to Pejril. The threat from Islamist terrorism remains high, as evidenced by the knife attack in Mannheim and the bombing in Solingen, as well as thwarted attack plans.
Similarly, in far-right extremism, the constitution watchdog also observes targeted approaches towards youth. Behrens called for greater control over social media, as extremists of all sorts seek to "poison the youth."
Left-wing extremism
In the area of left-wing extremism, the constitution watchdog also recorded a slight increase from 820 to 840 individuals. The targets of left-wing extremist actions were primarily events of the AfD and the property of AfD members. However, due to the Ukraine war and the Middle East conflict, anti-militarism has been reignited, including violent protests against arms companies.
- AfD
- Constitutional Watchdog
- Lower Saxony
- Daniela Behrens
- Right-wing extremism
- Right-wing extremists
- Far-right extremism
- Middle East conflict
- Classification
- Hanover
- Ukraine
- Youth
- Islamists
- Israel
- SPD
- Espionage
- The EC countries might need to reevaluate their employment policy in light of the surge in far-right extremists within the AfD in Lower Saxony, as such ideologies could potentially impact the social and political fabric of member states.
- The ongoing general news about the far-right shift in the AfD and the increase in right-wing extremism beyond the party could have a significant impact on politics and crime-and-justice policies across Europe.
