Rising Far-Right Extremism in Baden-Württemberg: A Growing Threat
Increase in Right-wing Extremists within AfD: Rise of Hardliners in Baden-Württemberg - Increase in Right-Wing Extremists in AfD: Higher Count of Hardliners in Baden-Württemberg
The landscape of Baden-Württemberg has witness an upward trend in far-right extremism, particularly among the youth. This escalation intensified in 2024, with an increase in public far-right extremist events and the establishment of far-right youth organizations. The discussions of these groups primarily revolved around immigration and hate speech directed towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Approximately 800 individuals are deemed potentially violent in the far-right extremist sphere. The number of far-right motivated crimes surged from 1,877 to 2,560 within a year, with a notable spike in propaganda offenses. In 2024 alone, there were 54 instances of far-right violent acts, a four-incident increase from the previous year.
Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) commented, "Far-right extremism is not a marginal issue. It poses a genuine threat to public safety." Authorities have identified around 4,200 individuals associated with the "Reich citizens." A tenth of them are considered to have a violent disposition.
The report on left-wing extremism revealed 342 crimes, a rise in left-wing extremist violent acts from 28 to 34. Particularly during the campaigns for local and European elections, acts of property damage were prevalent. Authorities estimate around 2,700 individuals are involved in the left-wing extremist scene, with 850 deemed potentially violent.
The Interior Ministry raised concerns about the increasing radicalization of young people in the realm of Islamism. In Baden-Württemberg, the Mannheim knife attack, which led to a police officer's death, sparked concern. According to the report, around 4,020 individuals follow the Islamist scene, with about 1,350 part of the Salafist scene.
- Far-Right Extremism
- AfD
- Baden-Württemberg
- Stuttgart
- Security Measures
Dynamics of Far-Right Extremism
- Germany witnessed a substantial escalation in far-right extremist activities and antisemitism across the nation in 2024, with antisemitic incidents experiencing a 77% increase nationwide compared to 2023, and right-wing extremist antisemitic incidents reaching their highest recorded number since 2020.[1] Baden-Württemberg, as a southwestern state, falls under this broader trend of intensifying far-right motivated incidents.
- The Reichsbürger movement, a well-known far-right extremist group contesting the legitimacy of the German state, holds a significant presence in Baden-Württemberg. This area, along with Bavaria, serves as a hotspot for the Reichsbürger in the south.[2] Members of this movement often exhibit older, socioeconomically disadvantaged males, many of whom are isolated and vulnerable to conspiracy theories. The movement is frequently linked to violence and criminal activities under the purview of Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).[2]
Involvement of AfD and Political Landscape
- The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, generally associated with right-wing populism and extremism, shapes the political atmosphere in Baden-Württemberg, although 2024 data specific to AfD activities in the state is lacking. In general, the AfD fosters a political environment that allows far-right extremism to garner visibility and some social legitimacy.
Potentially Violent Individuals and Incidents
- In 2024, extremists promoting far-right ideologies were involved in acts of violence, including assaults and threats. Eight severe acts of antisemitic violence were documented nationwide.[1] With Baden-Württemberg's sizeable Reichsbürger adherent base and the nationwide rise in far-right violence, it seemswise to consider violence-prone individuals in far-right circles to be a security concern in the region.
Security Responses and Monitoring
- The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) keeps tabs on far-right extremist groups, including the Reichsbürger in Baden-Württemberg and across Germany, to counteract violence and extremist activities.[2] This surveillance consists of intelligence gathering and preventive actions aimed at upholding the democratic order.
- Organizations such as RIAS compile and report information on antisemitic and right-wing extremist incidents, allowing authorities to track trends and instigate appropriate responses.[1]
- The escalating far-right extremist activities and antisemitic incidents in Baden-Württemberg, including the establishment of far-right youth organizations and the rise in far-right motivated crimes, indicate a need for community policy to address these growing threats, particularly focusing on preventing hate speech and promoting inclusivity.
- Given the increase in far-right extremist activities and the violent tendencies of certain individuals, it would be prudent for the local government to implement employment policies to offer support and integration for vulnerable populations, such as the socioeconomically disadvantaged Reichsbürger members, in order to reduce their susceptibility to extremist ideologies and foster a more cohesive and peaceful community.
