Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution: rise in right-wing scene and more violence

Right-wing extremism remains the biggest challenge for the constitutional state in Saxony. "The potential number of individuals rose further to around 6,000 in 2024," said the President of the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Dirk-Martin Christian, at the presentation of the annual report in Dresden. This corresponds to an increase of 250 people, mainly due to rising membership numbers of the AfD, "but also the Junge Alternative and the Third Way".

The analysis shows the radicalization of society, "that violence is increasing and that tolerance is decreasing", said Interior Minister Armin Schuster (CDU). "The Office for the Protection of the Constitution has established that radicalization in all scenes begins in childhood and adolescence." This is a challenge for society as a whole, as it shows that there is a problem with upbringing, education and the communication of values.

According to Schuster, the continuing trend of rejuvenation is accompanied by an increased willingness to use violence. Another focal point is growing anti-Semitism, "strongly triggered by the Middle East conflict". The increasing networking of left-wing extremists and foreign-related extremists, especially in pro-Palestinian activities, gives "reason for the utmost attention".

New challenges are cyber espionage and threats, especially through disinformation campaigns during election campaigns, said Schuster. And Saxony is the target of hybrid attacks. The State Office of Criminal Investigation and the LfV must be strengthened for counter-espionage, against cyber attacks, drone overflights or attacks such as those at DHL. These are clear attacks on the state, "against which we must arm ourselves" in terms of personnel, legal and technical measures.

Renew increase in right-wing crimes - violent acts doubled

The number of crimes with a right-wing extremist background has once again risen sharply compared to the previous year, from 2,566 to 3,919. The number of violent crimes increased by almost 58 percent and, at 109, is back at a three-digit level for the first time in years - 62 of these were xenophobic, according to the report, which is 21 more than in 2023.

AfD with growth and growing political influence

The LfV considers the rejuvenation of right-wing extremists to be particularly worrying. "The habituation effect, when they suddenly belong due to electoral success, obviously does something to society," said Christian. The significant increase in votes for the AfD and Free Saxony in the 2024 elections is evidence of the shift. There is a "frightening normality" and high approval rate among young people. "Being on the right is considered cool, perhaps the epitome of rebellion."