Germany’s domestic intelligence agency identifies 28,000 far-right extremists within the AfD, but Interior Minister Dobrindt resists calls for a party ban.

Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has reported a significant rise in far-right extremism, with 28,000 members of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party classified as extremists. This figure is part of a broader increase in right-wing extremist individuals, which now totals 58,700 nationwide—up by 8,450 from the previous year. The BfV attributes this surge largely to the AfD’s growing membership, which the party claims has reached 70,000. The agency continues to monitor the AfD as a ‘suspected case’ of extremism, following a court ruling that prevents it from labeling the party as definitively extremist.

Despite these alarming findings, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has expressed skepticism about pursuing a ban on the AfD. He emphasized the importance of addressing the party politically rather than legally, stating, ‘One must have the willingness to outmaneuver the AfD politically.’ Dobrindt also highlighted the challenges posed by increasing numbers of violent extremists in both the far-right and far-left spectrums, with the latter now comprising 42,200 individuals. The BfV’s annual report underscores the growing threat of online radicalization among minors and calls for enhanced resources and tools to combat extremism in the digital age.