Office for the Protection of the Constitution: Around 360 security officers under suspicion of right-wing extremism
In his report, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution covers new areas for the first time, including "Reichsbürger", "Self-Governing", and "Constitutional Protection-relevant delegitimization of the state". The report covers the period from 1st July 2021 to 31st December 2022. Therefore, the report includes cases that have become known up to the end of the year 2022 and have been evaluated.
"The new picture presents a precise image – and also reveals networks and connections to right-wing extremist organizations," Faeser explained: "There are only a few cases among the more than 384,000 employees in the Federal Government alone. However, we are looking very closely and taking action."
Of the 364 employees, for whom indications of threats to the liberal-democratic basic order were found, 175 work for the Federal Security Authorities and 189 in the states. More than half of the cases are so-called old cases, i.e., those that were already identified in the last report. This report was presented in May 2022, at which time there were indications for 327 employees.
The most common reasons for indications were extremist statements in chats and on social media. Politically motivated insults and contacts to or memberships in extremist organizations and parties were also recorded.
Constitutional Protection President Thomas Haldenwang emphasized: "Even though we are only talking about a small minority of employees here, the fight against constitutional enemies in our security authorities requires our full attention in every individual case." The "Reichsbürger" grouping around Heinrich XIII. Prince Reuß showed which concrete dangers from extremists in public service were indicated, as they were planning upheaval plans.
- The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution identified 'Reichsbürger', 'Self-Governing', and other related groups as new areas of concern, moving in a full 360-degree circle around the protection of the constitution.
- Despite the rounded figure of over 384,000 employees within the Federal Government, only a small fraction, around 364, raised suspicion of right-wing extremism.
- Nancy Faeser, the Federal Minister of the Interior, stressed the importance of vigilance, referring to the management report's detailed insights, stating, "We are looking very closely and taking action."
- The 'Federal Security Authorities' and the 'states' account for the bulk of the 175 and 189 employees, respectively, under scrutiny for potential threats to democracy.
- The 'Management Report' on the protection of the constitution issued by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution cites 'extremist statements' on social media and 'politically motivated insults' as primary reasons for these indications.
- The SPD, along with other security authorities and political groups, plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of right-wing extremism, ensuring the preservation of democracy and preventing potential upheaval plans like those proposed by the 'Reichsbürger' group.
- Security officers back up registrars and ensure the smooth operation of local elections, safeguarding the foundation of our democracy, which is under constant threat from potential extremist forces.
