Lower Saxony's Office for the Protection of the Constitution highlights right-wing extremism as the primary concern.
In Lower Saxony, the total number of right-wing extremists slightly rose to 1,690 in 2023, compared to 1,610 in the previous year. However, a few parties saw a decrease in their membership count. The right-wing party Die Heimat (once known as NPD) now has only 220 members while Die Rechte lost an extra ten members, leaving them with 20 members. The number of neo-Nazis remained unchanged at 220.
State Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) expressed her concerns about right-wing extremism, saying, "Although there's been a slight drop in membership figures, right-wing extremism still poses the greatest threat to our democracy." The blending of right-wing extremism with Reichsbürger and self-governing groups raises concerns, as she explains, "The lines between right-wing extremism and Reichsbürger or self-governing individuals are becoming more and more blurred." The ministry cautions about the potential rise of a "new, partly violent mixed scene."
Lower Saxony witnessed a rise in individuals labeling themselves Reichsbürger or self-governors, going from 900 to 1,080 in 2023. The relationship between right-wing extremism and these groups is becoming harder to define, according to the ministry.
The state security agency has also noted a growing connection between the Lower Saxony AfD (Alternative for Germany) and extremist positions and actors. This is shown through comments on social media, for example. The classification of the AfD state association as a suspected right-wing extremist case got prolonged by two years in Lower Saxony. This began in May 2022.
Behrens shared her observations on AfD's actions in Lower Saxony, stating they were becoming more noticeable in their quest to divide society and incite resentment. In addition, the head of the Lower Saxony State Security Agency, Dirk Pejril, highlighted that further surveillance of the AfD state association was "essential considering the increasing dominance of the right-wing nationalist movement."
The Verfassungsschutz report highlighted Islamism as a significant issue, suggesting the high-risk of terroristic attacks. Prominent targets include major events, such as the forthcoming European Football Championship in Germany.
The Verfassungsschutz report emphasized an increased occurrence of anti-Semitic statements online since the radical Islamic group Hamas' attack on Israel in October. Islamist actors have increasingly improved their presence on social media platforms in 2023.
Behrens commented that Muslim groups are being emotionally and politically motivated, as she declared, "This encouragement is shocking and disgraceful." She added that the Hamas attack was in part glorified on social media.
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1.DFB President Fritz Keller expressed his concern about the potential presence of right-wing extremists at the European Football Championship in Germany, referencing statements made by Lower Saxony's Interior Minister Daniela Behrens.2.Despite the SPD's efforts to address right-wing extremism in Lower Saxony, AfD members have been vocal in advocating for their right-wing nationalist ideologies, causing concerns within the state security agency.3.In response to the rising number of right-wing extremists in Lower Saxony, Daniela Behrens called for enhanced protection measures and surveillance, particularly targeting neo-Nazi groups and Reichsbürger groups.4.The Lower Saxony state security agency conducted an investigation into the suspected right-wing extremist activities within the AfD state association, ultimately deciding to extend the observation period for two more years.5.The threat of right-wing extremism and neo-Nazi groups stretches beyond Lower Saxony, with similar concerns emerging in cities like Hanover, leading to heightened tensions and potential risks for democracy in the region.6.Recent political events have brought attention to the danger of right-wing extremism and the blending of extremist ideologies with mainstream parties, such as the AfD, as well as self-governing and Reichsbürger groups, which pose a continuing threat to the protection of the constitution and democracy in Germany.
