Neo-Nazi activist from Chemnitz: Dangerous connections to the Identitarian movement!

Neo-Nazi activist from Chemnitz: Dangerous connections to the Identitarian movement!

There is a lot of simmering in Chemnitz, and the Identitarian Movement is clearly present. Paul Schäffler, an active member of this right-wing extremist group, is currently out and about in the city. He has been active in the Chemnitz Identitarian scene since 2023 and has a colorful history in the neo-Nazi milieu. For example, a few years ago he took part in a folk dance event in Chemnitz and also attended a right-wing “funeral march” in Dresden. What is particularly noticeable is that Schäffler regularly takes part in demos in Chemnitz and even nationwide. Among the events he attended was participation in the “Winter Academy” of the Institute for State Politics and the solidarity demonstration of the Free Saxons.

The activities of the Identitarian Movement are diverse. You recently acquired new premises on Edisonstrasse in Chemnitz, more precisely in the Schönau district. In these spaces, managed by an entrepreneurial company, they plan to establish a “center for counterculture and activism”. The Identitarians have already hung flags from the ceiling and are organizing various events such as regulars' tables and book presentations. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution was informed about the purchase at an early stage, but did not initially recognize the exact purpose of the rooms. There has already been resistance to similar efforts in Halle an der Saale, and a group is also forming in Chemnitz that wants to stand up to the Identitarians. 

Insights into the person of Paul Schäffler

Schaeffer is not only known as an activist, but also as a professional: He works as a watchmaker at the used luxury watch dealer “Zeitauktion”. He lives grandly at Bürgelstrasse 7 in Chemnitz and gets by without a car - instead he takes the bus and uses his iconic bike. This lifestyle suggests that he is well anchored in local events. The fact that he is involved in many events suggests that he does not lack endurance.

His participation in the various actions, including demos in Vienna, shows that he is an active part of the movement. The last few months have been particularly challenging: he regularly takes part in regular meetings, hikes and the opening of the Chemnitz IB location. His commitment is also reflected in his participation in the “Day of Honor” in Budapest, an event that attracts thousands of neo-Nazis every year. His constant activity and networking within the right-wing extremist scene could be an indication that Schäffler plays a central role in the coming developments of the Identitarian Movement in Chemnitz.

Resistance and challenges

While the Identitarian Movement in Chemnitz and the surrounding area wants to expand its activities, resistance against it is also forming. A broad coalition of city society in Chemnitz wants to oppose these efforts and is planning to create an alliance similar to that in Halle an der Saale in order to push back the right-wing extremist movement. It remains exciting to see how the various forces in Chemnitz will develop and whether the protest can effectively prevail against the identities.

The situation in Chemnitz shows once again that the confrontation with right-wing extremism in Germany is anything but over. The Identitarian Movement remains a serious phenomenon that must be addressed with attention. Stay tuned, because there's a lot happening here!

For more in-depth information about Paul Schäffler and the activities of the Identitarian Movement, take a look Indymedia and Time online.