Radical ideology - Increase in "Reich citizens" observed in the southwest.
There has been an increase in the number of Reichsbürger and self-governing individuals, according to the Baden-Württemberg Constitutional Protection Agency. Over the past year, the number of identified followers has grown by approximately 200 men and women, bringing the total to around 4,000. Interestingly, the percentage of women has also risen significantly from less than one-third to 38%. This rise is likely linked to the time of the Corona protests, says the agency.
Also known as the historical German Empire, Reichsbürger believe that it still exists and did not end with the conclusion of World War II in 1945. As a result, they do not accept the Federal Republic of Germany or its legal structures such as parliament and laws. They also refuse to pay taxes, fines, and social contributions.
The movement, which has been monitored by the Constitutional Protection Agency since autumn 2016, has an estimated nationwide following of over 23,000. About ten percent of local followers have been classified as violent. Reichsbürger and self-governing individuals view the state as arbitrary and "unlawful," which justifies the use of force to defend themselves. Violence is anticipated from these groups, although long-planned violence is rare.
In addition to the Reichsbürger, the "Selbstverwalter" or self-governance movement is also gaining traction. Some in this group consider themselves to be the leaders of their own small kingdoms, complete with their own IDs and license plates. The "Kingdom of Germany" (KRD) and "Indigenous People Germanites" (IVG) have grown in size and confidence, with an estimated 3-digit number of KRD supporters in the southwest and around 120 IVG members - both with an upward trend.
Recent searches in connection with the alleged "Reichsbürger" terrorist group led by Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß have made headlines. The authorities conducted a massive raid targeting alleged followers of the group, searching seven objects and three plots in Baden-Württemberg, Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein.
Prince Reuß played a role as head of state in the group, which became famous following a major anti-terror arrest in late 2022. Dozens of individuals have been detained, accused of plotting to overthrow the political system in Germany. Proceedings are already underway at the Higher Regional Courts in Frankfurt am Main and Stuttgart, and a trial against alleged members will start in Munich from June 18th.
Reichsbürger believe in conspiracy theories and view themselves as citizens of their own kingdoms. This belief can be traced back to the historical German Empire's founding in 1871, which ended with World War II in 1945. Members of this movement do not acknowledge the Federal Republic of Germany or its legal systems. They refuse to pay taxes, fines, or social contributions.
The Constitutional Protection Agency cautions that a portion of the protest movement appears to be radicalizing. Three-quarters of the movement consists of individuals, while 25% have formed groups. There is also a high level of interaction with other extremist groups, such as the "Querdenker." The Konstitutionsschutz analyses that the boundaries between these extremist groups are becoming increasingly permeable, making them potential recruitment grounds for frustrated, radical individuals.
In the southwest, the movement is gaining more notice due to the KRD and IVG, who have progressively established their parallel structures and grown in self-confidence. Some KRD members have begun using their "KRD identity cards" instead of personal IDs. The Constitutional Protection Agency suggests there are around 100 such supporters in the region. Meanwhile, the IVG has around 120 members with an incline.
Some individuals associated with this ideology consider themselves kings of small kingdoms, bearing their own ID cards and license plates. The "Kingdom of Germany" and "Indigenous People Germanites" groups have grown substantially in the past year. Members of these groups are seeking to establish a self-sufficient society, independent of both law enforcement and taxation.
The BKA and Baden-Württemberg State Police executed a series of raids in January 2023 against the Reichsbürger group presumed to be led by Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß. Alleged supporters were targeted in searches covering Baden-Württemberg, Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein. The accused are accused of planning an overthrow of the political system in Germany, with Prince Reuß intended to serve as the head of state. The trials for these individuals are currently underway at the Higher Regional Courts in Frankfurt am Main and Stuttgart, and a trial against suspected group members will commence in Munich on June 18th.
Reuss, with his supporters, is known for promoting anti-democratic and violent ideologies. Recently, he was arrested during a large-scale anti-terror raid at the end of 2022. Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß holds the view that current government is lawless and arbitrary, leading him to claim a right to defend himself and others by any means necessary.
Read also:
- Despite the ongoing monitorology by the Constitutional Protection Agency, the radical ideology of Reichsbürger and self-governing individuals, such as the "Kingdom of Germany" (KRD) and "Indigenous People Germanites" (IVG), continues to gain traction in the southwest of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- In a recent parliamentary discussion on internal security, Thomas Strobl, a CDU member and former interior minister of Baden-Württemberg, emphasized the need for increased protection of the constitution due to the rise of extremism.
- According to Strobl, the proportions of women in these extremist groups have also increased significantly, with women now making up 38% of the Reichsbürger movement in Germany.
- The Extremism Commission of the Federal Government, which Strobl has been a part of, highlighted the danger posed by these groups and called for stricter measures to combat extremism.
- Meanwhile, the increase in the number of Reichsbürger and self-governing individuals has also been observed in other German states, such as Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia.
- The BKA and local police forces have been conducting regular raids and investigations into these groups to prevent any potential threats to the constitutional order and internal security of the country.
- In the 2021 parliamentary elections, CDU received the support of a higher proportion of men than women in Germany, highlighting the gender divide in political affiliations and attitudes towards extremism.
- The latest statistics show that while Reichsbürger and self-governing individuals still make up a small proportion of the overall population, they pose a significant threat to the stability and security of the Federal Republic of Germany, especially in light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
