Germany’s AfD Extremist Members Rise 77 Percent, Crimes Surge 47 Percent

Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD), the country's largest opposition party, is experiencing a significant rise in right-wing extremism, with the number of extremists within the party increasing by 77% last year to 20,000 members, according to the domestic spy agency's annual report. This growth coincides with the party's overall membership increase and its ideological shift further to the right, prompting the agency to classify the AfD as "extremist" based on an extensive expert report, a designation the party is legally challenging. The report highlights frequent xenophobic and anti-Muslim rhetoric by AfD leaders, who often make statements that challenge Germany's constitution, exemplified by the Thuringia branch leader's call for the "implosion of the cartel party system" to bring about "true democracy." Crimes motivated by right-wing extremism in Germany surged by 47.4% last year, including increases in attempted murders and arson cases, underscoring the growing societal impact of these extremist elements. These developments follow the AfD's historic second-place finish in the February federal election, reflecting a broader rightward shift in German politics and raising concerns about the party's influence on national stability and policy. The situation poses challenges for Germany's democracy and security, as well as potential implications for European political dynamics.