Right-wing extremism in Brandenburg: Alarming record number reached!

Right-wing extremism in Brandenburg: Alarming record number reached!

In Brandenburg, the situation of right-wing extremists has developed dramatically in recent years. According to recent reports, the 2024 Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution report shows that the number of right-wing extremists in the region has risen to a high of 3,650 people, an increase of almost 20% compared to the previous year. Interior Minister René Wilke expresses concern about this alarming development and emphasizes the challenges posed by the radicalization of young people, particularly through social media. This information is continued by migazin.de.

What is particularly striking is that four out of ten of these right-wing extremists are classified as violence-oriented, which represents an increase of 10%. Around 1,430 people fall into this category, who can become particularly dangerous due to violent ideologies. In addition, worrying right-wing extremist youth organizations such as “Jung & Stark”, “Last Defense Wave” and “Deutsche Jugend Voran” are active, as was also evident at the Christopher Street Day in Falkensee. These groups propagate violent, anti-Semitic and Nazi-glorifying content, which is another cause for concern.

Political dimensions

In the larger political context, the potential number of right-wing extremist parties in Brandenburg, especially the AfD, is estimated at around 1,600 people. While the AfD has been considered right-wing extremist since May 2024, its classification remains on hold for the time being due to ongoing proceedings. Wilke says that he sees hurdles to judicial confirmation of the AfD's upgrade, but is optimistic about future measures. The dismissal of the former Interior Minister Jörg Müller, who had communicated the classification late, created additional pressure.

Five of a total of 30 AfD members in the Brandenburg state parliament are currently classified as right-wing extremist, including the parliamentary group leader Hans-Christoph Berndt and the parliamentary manager Dennis Hohloch. This shows how deeply rooted right-wing extremist structures are in Brandenburg's political system. In fact, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution describes the AfD as firmly right-wing extremist, and the parties “Die Heimat” (formerly NPD) and “The Third Way” are also part of the right-wing extremist spectrum.

Right-wing extremism in everyday life

The increase in right-wing extremist criminal and violent crimes by 47.4% to 37,835 crimes in 2024 is a frightening development. Propaganda offenses account for 63.9% of these crimes, while violent actions have also increased. The attacks on asylum accommodation and violent attacks against the LGBTIQ community in particular are frightening examples of the instrumentalization of social issues by right-wing extremists.

In 2024, 27 right-wing extremist bands and 14 songwriters were recorded, indicating the continued cultural presence of right-wing extremist ideas. Martial arts events were also repeatedly organized by right-wing extremist groups, with the police intervening and breaking up an event organized by the “The Third Way” party.

In summary, the situation of right-wing extremism in Brandenburg is not only worrying, but also a sign of the need for increased prevention and intervention measures. The combination of social media and massive human potential on the political stage creates a dangerous environment that challenges society as a whole. According to rbb24.de, the radicalization of young people is one of the biggest points that needs to be paid close attention to.

The authorities are faced with a mammoth task of both observing the existing right-wing extremist structures and recognizing and reacting to future developments in a timely manner. The Verfassungsschutz has already taken the first steps to counteract this challenge, but it remains to be seen how effective these measures will ultimately be.