Almost 60,000 Far-Right Extremists in Germany, Intelligence Agency Says

Almost 60 000 far right extremists – Germany’s domestic intelligence service has reported a notable surge in far-right extremist activity, citing that the number of such individuals has grown to 58,700, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year. This rise, according to the agency’s annual report, has been attributed to the expansion of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, which saw its membership reach 70,000 in 2025. The report also highlights the simultaneous growth of left-wing extremism, with an estimated 42,200 individuals now involved, and Islamism, which has climbed to 28,645 adherents. These figures underscore the evolving landscape of political extremism within the country.

Head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), Sinan Selen, has emphasized that far-right extremists pose the most critical threat to German democracy. He described the situation as a “practically permanent attack” from both internal and external sources, a sentiment echoed by the intelligence agency’s assertion that Russia, China, and Iran are the primary nations engaging in intelligence activities targeting Germany. The report warns that the growth of far-right groups is not only increasing in numbers but also in their influence over younger demographics, with a particular focus on reaching children and adolescents through cultural events.

“Germany’s democracy is under practically permanent attack from both inside and outside,” said Sinan Selen, the head of the BfV.

The BfV’s latest report notes that over 5,600 of the identified far-right extremists are considered to have a tendency toward violent actions. This has raised concerns about the potential for coordinated attacks, especially as the AfD prepares to hold its party conference in Erfurt. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has cautioned against the possibility of unrest during the event, stressing the importance of maintaining non-violent demonstrations. However, he has also acknowledged that the AfD’s growing popularity may lead to more radicalized outcomes.

The AfD’s performance in the recent federal elections was a turning point, as it secured a record 152 seats in the 630-member parliament with 20.8% of the vote. This success has positioned the party as a formidable political force, and with a current polling rate of around 40% in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, there is speculation that it could achieve an overall majority in upcoming regional elections. Should this occur, the AfD would mark its first opportunity to form a state-level government, potentially signaling a shift in the political landscape.

According to the BfV, far-right groups are increasingly leveraging platforms like music shows to attract new members. These events, which have seen record attendance, are becoming strategic tools for ideological dissemination. The agency highlights that such gatherings help cultivate a sense of belonging among younger audiences, often using themes like nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment to resonate with them.

Classification and Ideological Trends

Although the AfD was classified as a right-wing extremist group last year, this designation was temporarily suspended in February following a legal challenge. The BfV maintains that the party still qualifies as a “suspected extremist organisation,” noting that its expanding membership base suggests a growing pool of individuals with radical leanings. The report further points to the prevalence of conspiracy theories within far-right circles, such as the “population exchange” and “Great Replacement” narratives, which are frequently adopted by the AfD and similar groups.

Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter groups, identified in the report, number around 26,000 extremists. These factions are characterized by their rejection of the German federal system, with members claiming the country is not a legitimate state. They promote ideologies that question the constitution, laws, and governmental authorities, often intertwining antisemitism with their rhetoric. The BfV’s analysis indicates that these groups are playing a pivotal role in shaping the broader far-right movement.

Additionally, the agency observed a sharp increase in violence targeting suspected right-wing extremists and police officers. This trend reflects the intensifying conflict between different political factions and the growing radicalization within the extremist community. The report also mentions the slight rise in individuals linked to Islamist terrorism, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the threat landscape.

Despite the AfD’s suspension of its extremist classification, the intelligence agency remains vigilant about its activities. The party’s ability to mobilize a significant portion of the population has raised alarms, particularly given its historical ties to far-right ideologies and its current influence in key regions. As the political climate continues to shift, the BfV’s findings serve as a crucial reminder of the challenges Germany faces in safeguarding its democratic institutions.