Saxony-Anhalt Battles Rising Right-Wing Extremism Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Saxony-Anhalt faces a growing threat from right-wing extremism, with new groups forming and a party being established. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen extremists, particularly 'Reich citizens', attempt to spread their ideology through protests against containment measures. Meanwhile, hybrid threats like cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns are on the rise.
The domestic intelligence service has identified a group aiming to delegitimize the state and its representatives. While the protest movement against COVID-19 measures is diverse and regionally varied, some parts have radicalized, though not all are linked to right-wing extremism or 'Reich citizens'. Notably, the number of supporters in these scenes increased in 2021, with 'Reich citizens' and self-governance supporters rising to 600.
Despite these concerns, only isolated cases of extremists successfully instrumentalizing protests have been reported. Well-informed citizens are seen as the best defense against extremist endeavors. The domestic intelligence service closely monitors all forms of extremism and hybrid threats, including in the virtual space.
Right-wing extremism remains the most significant threat to Saxony-Anhalt's free democratic order. While the COVID-19 pandemic has provided extremists with opportunities to spread their ideology, the extent of their influence on protest movements is limited. The domestic intelligence service continues to monitor and counter these threats, with well-informed citizens playing a crucial role in maintaining the state's security.
