German intelligence: extremist numbers rise as far-right AfD grows

The number of extremists in Germany is increasing, Germany's domestic intelligence agency said, linking the rise primarily to the growing membership of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

In its annual report, the agency - formally known as the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) - estimated that 58,700 people fell into the category of potential right-wing extremists last year, 8,450 more than in the previous year.

According to its own figures, the AfD had 70,000 members in October 2025. The BfV estimates that around 28,000 of these are right-wing extremists.

The anti-immigrant party, Germany's largest opposition group, has been under observation by the domestic intelligence agency for several years on suspicion of anti-constitutional activities. 

In May last year, the BfV upgraded its classification of the AfD to a confirmed right-wing extremist organization, saying the party "disregards human dignity" and threatens democracy. However, the use of the label - which would grant the agency broader surveillance powers - was put on hold after a lawsuit by the AfD. 

Several regional chapters of the AfD have also been classified as confirmed extremist organizations.

Far-left extremists also increasing

The BfV classified 42,200 people nationwide as belonging to the far-left spectrum in 2025, up from around 38,000 the previous year.

While far-left extremists have made headlines in recent months, including for attacks on electricity supply and rail infrastructure, experts regard the scene as particularly difficult to penetrate.

The BfV report provides little insight into the perpetrators. It sees a likely network behind the so-called Vulkangruppe (Volcano Group), believing different groups use the name as a "label," and writes that "links between the individual groups cannot be ruled out."

The agency also sees the current rise in support for far-left extremist groups as linked to developments on the far right.

"Given the 'shift to the right' in society perceived by the scene, it can be assumed that 'militant anti-fascism' will retain its important role and that there will continue to be a large number of left-wing extremist-motivated criminal offences and acts of violence in this context," the agency stated in its report.

Consequences of the war in Ukraine and the Middle East

The BfV believes that geopolitical developments have played a part in the growing number of extremists.  

It said, for example, that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has contributed to the increase in left-wing extremism, motivating people to commit criminal offences for "anti-militarist reasons."

The office notes that the conflict in the Middle East also generated "significant potential for mobilization within the Islamist spectrum" in 2025. Overall, however, it said supporters of the Palestinian and Lebanese Islamist groups Hamas and Hezbollah have largely refrained from carrying out high-profile actions.