Germany intelligence warns of surge in far-right extremism

Germany's domestic intelligence service has warned that right-wing extremism remains the greatest threat to the country's democracy, saying the number of far-right extremists rose sharply to 58,700 last year. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution said that was an increase of more than 8,000 on the previous year. It also said 5,600 of those identified were considered likely to use violence.

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In its annual report, the agency said German democracy was under "practically permanent attack" from both inside and outside. Its head, Sinan Selen, said extreme left-wing violence was also increasing and described the situation as an alarm call for the rule of law. The report said intelligence activity against Germany came primarily from Russia, China and Iran.

The agency linked much of the rise in far-right extremism to the growth of the Alternative for Germany party, whose membership it said reached 70,000 in 2025. The party came second in last year's federal election, winning 152 seats in the 630-seat parliament with 20.8% of the vote. It is also polling at about 40% ahead of elections in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt in September, where it could potentially secure an overall majority.

The warning comes as the party prepares to hold its conference in the eastern city of Erfurt at the weekend. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said protests around the event should remain non-violent, after warning of possible violence. The report also said far-right groups are increasingly trying to influence children and young people, and are recruiting at far-right music events, which also reached a record number last year.

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The findings add to a wider debate in Germany over the resilience of democratic institutions and the scale of extremist mobilisation. The intelligence agency still lists the party as a suspected extremist organisation, although that classification was suspended in February after a legal challenge and a court ruling is still pending. The report also underlines the government's concern that domestic radicalisation and foreign intelligence activity are converging pressures on national security.

What remains unclear is how the courts will rule on the party's challenge and whether the current rise in support will translate into further electoral gains. It is also not yet clear whether the planned protests in Erfurt will stay peaceful. The report suggests the authorities will continue to monitor both extremist violence and foreign interference closely in the months ahead.

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