Report on Constitutional Safeguards: Increased Count of Radical Activists Identified - European legislators voice worries over the nation's predicament.
Wanna know about the rising tide of far-right extremism in Saxony-Anhalt? Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the hotbed of hate in this region of Germany!
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Last year, the number of people associated with anti-constitutional groups in Saxony-Anhalt hit a brand-new high. According to the constitutional protection report, roughly 6,120 individuals were categorized as extremist potential, a 11.7% increase from the year prior. This spike is primarily attributed to the expansion of the right-wing extremist scene across the country, as announced by the Ministry of the Interior.
"In Saxony-Anhalt, the most significant threat to our democratic coexistence is still coming from right-wing extremism," said Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang (CDU) during the presentation of the new report. The minister expressed particular concern over the surging number of right-wing extremists among young people and the growing digital presence of these extremist groups.
The increase in right-wing extremists in the year 2024 was around 4,000 (2023: 3,350). The Ministry of the Interior attributes this increase to several contributing factors: the rise in members of the AfD state association Saxony-Anhalt (plus 370 people) and an increase in the largely unstructured right-wing extremist potential (plus 140 people). The AfD has been deemed a securely right-wing extremist movement by the constitutional protection in Saxony-Anhalt since November 2023.
The extremist potential in Saxony-Anhalt has nearly doubled over the past two years, reported the head of the constitutional protection, Jochen Hollmann. The right-wing extremist environment in the country has been particularly dynamic in recent years, with Hollmann warning that the largest right-wing extremist party, the AfD, poses the greatest danger to democracy.
Since last year, there has been an uptick in right-wing extremist and action-oriented youth groups, according to the Ministry of the Interior. These groups, such as "Young & Strong" or "German Youth Forward," are becoming more visible both in Saxony-Anhalt and nationwide, with calls for violence and disruption, as well as actions against CSD events. The number of so-called Reich citizens and self-administrators remains stable at around 700 people, as reported by the Ministry of the Interior.
Despite being classified as right-wing extremist, the state association of the AfD has yet to undergo de-radicalization, emphasized Hollmann. Functional and mandate holders within the party have faced criticism for their "demonizing and xenophobic" language choices.
Left-wing extremism and Islamism
Around 680 people were attributed to left-wing extremism last year, according to the Ministry of the Interior. This number remained unchanged. The left-wing extremist scene continues to be influenced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Around 400 people are still associated with Islamism.
The constitutional protection currently views the greatest risk as Russian or pro-Russian cyber attacks targeting companies, authorities, and scientific institutions. The agency has documented an increase in the use of disinformation campaigns, in which political decision-makers or prominent public figures are often falsely portrayed and attributed with incorrect statements or actions designed to damage their reputation with voters. This hybrid threat from abroad is also being monitored by the constitutional protection, assured Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang.
Case in Point: The Sabotage Operation at Leipzig/Halle Airport
As an example, Verfassungsschutz chief Hollmann cited arson attacks on aircraft in several European cities. One such sabotage operation occurred at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident. The Russian intelligence agency GRU is responsible for the sabotage operation.
In the midst of rising extremist activity, the concerns about right-wing extremism in Saxony-Anhalt extend beyond its borders, not only due to the soaring number of extremists but also the increasing digital presence and youth involvement. The ministry's report reveals a 4,000 increase in right-wing extremists in 2024, with the AfD receiving the majority of the blame for this increase. Concurrently, left-wing extremism and Islamism reported 680 and 400 individuals, respectively, remaining stable compared to the previous year. The growing threat lies not only in domestic extremism but also from abroad, particularly Russian or pro-Russian cyber attacks.
