Right-wing extremism is becoming an increasingly serious threat to democracy in Germany, according to Jochen Hollmann, head of the domestic intelligence agency in Saxony-Anhalt, an eastern German state.
In comments released Monday by the German Press Agency (dpa), Hollmann warned that far-right ideologies are gaining traction in rural areas, where violence is also on the rise.
“We are seeing an increased willingness to use violence among right-wing extremists, particularly among action-oriented youth,” Hollmann said.
Since 2022, intelligence services have reported a growing number of right-wing extremists relocating to the rural Harz district, many of them from North Rhine-Westphalia in western Germany. These individuals are frequently seen participating in local protests, often alongside supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Hollmann noted that extremists appear to operate with fewer obstacles in rural eastern Germany, where societal resistance is weaker.
The AfD, which Saxony-Anhalt authorities have officially classified as a confirmed right-wing extremist party, has been expanding its political influence in the region ahead of the 2026 state elections. In some municipalities, the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has even cooperated with AfD representatives, further blurring political boundaries.
David Begrich, a researcher specializing in right-wing extremism, observed that the AfD’s confrontational and provocative style has indirectly enabled other extremist groups to thrive—particularly in demonstrations like those seen in Harz.
The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt has rejected such accusations, asserting that it remains a “deeply democratic” party. It also dismissed the claims as politically motivated, adding that individuals have the right to participate in legal and peaceful protests.
