The numbers keep rising, and authorities seem increasingly unable to counter them.
There is a lack of trained personnel, decisive action, and above all, a clear strategy to stop this development.
There are officials who do not even know the most common codes of the far-right scene – such as "28 Radio," which is not a radio station but rather a code for "Blood and Honour." How can you fight a threat if you do not even recognize it?
In the coming days, there will be detailed reports on this topic, particularly on the role of "Blood and Honour" and its connections to politics. It is high time for something to happen in Germany. Education and awareness must be the top priorities.
The impression arises that right-wing extremism has become socially acceptable – a "trend," something considered "chic." But that is a dangerous illusion. Right-wing extremism is extremely dangerous, despicable, and must be combated with all available means.
What is needed is decisive policy, effective law enforcement, and above all, courageous journalism that does not shy away from speaking plainly. Only through open, fearless reporting can this problem be addressed.
The current numbers are clear: 41,406 far-right crimes in 2024 – a new record, an alarming peak. Already in 2023, the figures were at a dismal high with 28,945 offenses, and now the increase is 23 percent. Violence is also rising: 1,443 violent crimes were recorded in 2024, including 988 cases of bodily harm, five murders, and five attempted murders, along with 17 cases of arson. And these numbers are not even final – subsequent reports and cases from December have not yet been included. It is expected that the statistics will look even grimmer in May when officially released by the BKA.
Particularly concerning is the growing share of young offenders. Far-right violence is spreading within a new generation radicalized through social networks, right-wing networks, and political hate-mongering. Petra Pau (Left Party) rightly speaks of an "alarming upward trend" – over the past five years, the number of recorded offenses has nearly doubled. And what has been done about it? Far too little.
The "Action Plan Against Right-Wing Extremism" by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) has proven to be completely naive. While some measures, such as protection programs for threatened politicians, were implemented, other important points – such as tightening gun laws – were left behind. And it is not just the authorities that are failing: the social agitation against refugees and migrants also contributes to far-right perpetrators feeling legitimized in their actions.
A look at 2024 shows that far-right violence particularly escalates during election campaigns. Campaigns for the European Parliament and state parliaments in Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg have led to a wave of attacks – including on SPD's lead candidate for the European Parliament, Matthias Ecke. There is also a new generation of violent neo-Nazis deliberately targeting Pride events (CSD) and democratic politicians.
It is especially shocking that among the offenses in 2024 is a completed homicide that the police classify as right-wing extremist motivated. This shows just how dangerous the situation really is.
In January, Faeser emphasized that the rule of law uses "all instruments" to protect people from right-wing extremist, racist, and anti-Semitic violence. But the reality shows that the rise in offenses has not been stopped. It is not enough to simply investigate more – real consequences are needed. Perpetrators must be brought to court faster, the far-right scene must be financially drained and disarmed. At the same time, political education is the most important prevention against extremism. But society itself must take action. Clear opposition to the right is needed – not only in politics but everywhere.
The situation is serious. Right-wing extremism is no longer a fringe problem but a growing threat to our democracy. Looking away is not an option. Action must be taken – now.
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