German intelligence argues for urgent response as far‑right extremist numbers climb. BfV said that 58,700 individuals were identified as far‑right extremists last year, up from 50,700 in the year prior – a jump of more than 8,000.
The agency noted that 5,600 of these had a propensity for violence and that the rise is linked mainly to the Alternative für Deutschland party, whose membership swelled to 70,000 in 2025.
Political adviser Sinan Selen described the current climate as "practically permanent attack" from inside and outside Germany, citing intelligence from Russia, China and Iran.
The BfV also flagged that far‑left extremist activity grew by 4,200 last year, now standing at 42,200, and Islamist sympathisers rose to 28,645.
Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter groups added another 26,000 far‑right radicals who reject the Federal Republic’s legitimacy.
Violence against police officers and suspected extremists increased markedly, the report warned, demanding stronger preventive measures.
The AfD, recently designated a suspect extremist organisation, is marching towards a possible governing majority in Saxony‑Anhalt, drawing concern over potential unrest during key party events.
Recruitment of young people at far‑right music shows remains a focus for extremist groups, underscoring the need for community vigilance and rapid counter‑tactics.
For more detail, see BfV’s full annual report.
