Increasingly, properties are being employed by far-right extremists.
Concerning locations for concerts, pubs, or record labels in Germany, the Department of the Interior has recognized a surge in properties associated with right-wing extremists. The total count, as reported to the Left Party, was 225 properties in February 2021. However, this figure might not entirely capture the reality since additional unrecorded properties may exist.
These aren't ordinary residential homes. "Only properties that provide unrestricted access to right-wing extremists were considered, including through ownership, renting, leasing (i.e., possession or management), or a relationship with the property manager," the response from the Interior Ministry states regarding the evaluation process. They also take into account the politically motivated and recurring use by right-wing extremists as part of their decision-making criteria.
As stated in a prelude to the parliamentary inquiry, "Lost in the rustic 'multiculturalism' of urban life, the urban diversity, and societal pressure, they yearn for right-wing radical safe havens to study, train, celebrate, raise kids, and campaign." Bars, martial arts dojos, DIY initiatives, settlements, and other spaces play vital roles as "regional bases" for various right-wing extremist groups. "These places serve as strategic sites for radicalization and networking," the question notes. The properties are also utilized for commercial purposes, including concert venues, festivals, tattoo shops, mail-order businesses, record labels, or publishing houses.
In the majority of cases, right-wing extremists own (39%) or rent (31%) these properties. "In the remaining cases, access is established through a property manager connection or lack of further details," the ministry added.
Eastern Germany sees the most significant concentration, with 37 properties in Saxony, 36 in Saxony-Anhalt, 24 in Thuringia, and 21 each in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg. Two properties were requisitioned last year as part of a ban on a right-wing extremist organization.
While the actual number of properties used by right-wing extremists may be higher, the ministry withholds specifics for some holdings to protect informants within the scene. "In regard to 125 properties, information is confidential due to the Constitutional Protection Offices," the ministry mentioned in their latest reply. The count is increasing, as it was 112 properties a year before.
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The Federal Ministry of the Interior in Germany has identified 225 properties associated with right-wing extremists, as reported to The Left Party. Moreover, right-wing extremists often utilize these properties for commercial activities, such as concert venues, tattoo shops, or publishing houses, underlined by the ministry.
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