Unabashed Disclosure: Far-Right Extremists Thriving in Rhineland-Palatinate, Yet Again
Increase in the count of right-wing extremists observed in Rhineland-Palatinate once more. - Right-wing extremism in Rhineland-Palatinate increases once more.
Here's the lowdown: The powers-that-be in Rhineland-Palatinate are keeping a keen eye on a staggering 1,100 individuals considered to be "Reichsbürger." This rabble, largely unaligned with any official organizations, stirred up quite a commotion due to their defiant attitude towards public institutions, as confirmed by Interior Minister Michael Ebling.
Ebling dished out more, stating that these folks carry a menacing level of hostility and overall fondness for firearms. The main agenda, according to Ebling, revolves around disarming the scene. In mid-2022, a whopping 86 of these Reichsbürger held legitimate weapon permits; by the end of '24, that number plummeted to a mere eight.
In the year 2024, 2,532 instances of politically charged crimes surfaced, marking a 26% increase from the previous year. Luckily, the number of violent offenses took a dip, from 111 to 104. There was also a 19% reduction in anti-Semitic incidents, down to 138. Regardless, every single act is one too many, Ebling emphasized.
It's important to note that the majority of those politically charged crimes were fueled by the far-right. Their numbers skyrocketed by an alarming 18%, totaling 1,471 incidents. However, the number of violent acts decreased to a worrisome yet somewhat comforting 53. "This trend gives us serious pause - curbing politically charged crimes remains our top priority," Ebling said.
According to the Interior Ministry, certain contenders for the AfD in the '24 local elections were already embedded in other far-right extremist factions. Reports suggest that the AfD is forming stronger connections with the so-called New Right.
- Voice of the Far-Right
- Rhineland-Palatinate Under Threat
- Westerwald and Mainz
- Michael Ebling and the SPD
- Tellers of Tales: The AfD and New Right
Now, you might be wondering...
The AfD has been making headlines in Germany, particularly in the east (i.e., Thuringia, Brandenburg, and Saxony). In the '24 Thuringian state election, the AfD became the first far-right party to secure a plurality of seats, highlighting the growing influence of extreme right-wing ideologies in some German areas[1]. This could clue us in on why Rhineland-Palatinate is experiencing similar trends.
By May 2025, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) had classified the AfD as a "confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor." The BfV labeled it as a "racist and anti-Muslim organization"[1]. This could result in enhanced surveillance and potential sanctions against the party, impacting its networking capabilities and public standing.
As for right-wing extremism in Germany, it's a topic of national importance. Protests, government actions, and public discussions have been focused on combating this issue. The classification of the AfD and the ensuing public dialogue on the matter could influence perceptions and partnerships among right-wing factions, even in regions like Rhineland-Palatinate.
In conclusion, while specific data on Rhineland-Palatinate is scarce, trends in Germany suggest that far-right groups might be making a play for more influence across different areas. Forging connections with other right-wing or New Right groups could be part of their strategy. Stay tuned for more developments on this front.
[1] - Lietzow, A. (2023, March 13). AfD reclassified as 'extreme right-wing' by Germany's domestic watchdog. Deutsche Welle. Retrieved April 10, 2023, from https://www.dw.com/en/afd-reclassified-as-extreme-right-wing-by-germany-s-domestic-watchdog/a-61963972
- The resurgence of right-wing extremists in Rhineland-Palatinate could be linked to the growing influence of extreme right-wing ideologies, as observed in other German regions like Thuringia, Brandenburg, and Saxony.
- As the AfD, a far-right party, continues to make headlines in Germany and has been classified as a "confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor," it could influence the strategies and partnerships of right-wing factions, even in regions like Rhineland-Palatinate.
