Politically motivated crime in Germany reached its highest level in 2023, according to the country’s top security official. A total of 60,028 politically motivated crimes were registered, with the majority coming from far-right motivations. Right-wing politically motivated crimes increased by 23% to 28,945 cases, while left-wing crimes increased by 11%. The president of the Federal Criminal Police Office expressed concern over the radicalization of parts of the population and attempts to delegitimize the state.
Recent incidents, such as the beating and serious injury of a Social Democrats candidate and the assault on Berlin’s top economic official, highlight the growing threat of political violence in Germany. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the pressure on democracy in the country. The recent assassination attempt on the prime minister of Slovakia further underscores the threat of political violence in the European Union, with many politicians attributing the environment of heated political division as a contributing factor.
Police in Germany have also recorded a drastic increase in antisemitic crimes, nearly doubling to 5,164. This increase is related to reactions to the Israel-Hamas war, according to officials. Hate crimes increased by about 48% last year to 17,000, while crimes against asylum seekers increased by 75%. The trial of a right-wing group accused of planning to overthrow the German government in 2022 began in Frankfurt, involving a former lawmaker from the far-right Alternative for Germany party. Left-wing violence has also been prominent, such as the arson attack on a Tesla plant by a far-left entity.
The German government started tracking politically motivated crimes in 2001, showing a worrying trend of increasing political violence and extremism over the past decade. The rise in both right-wing and left-wing crimes is a cause for concern, as it indicates a growing polarization within the society. The prevalence of hate crimes, crimes against asylum seekers, and antisemitic incidents further highlight the challenges facing Germany’s democracy. The recent incidents of political violence and extremism underscore the need for greater efforts to address radicalization and promote tolerance and inclusivity in the country.
Overall, Germany faces significant challenges in dealing with politically motivated crime and violence, with the threat to democracy becoming increasingly apparent. The government must take decisive actions to address the root causes of radicalization and extremism, while also strengthening measures to protect vulnerable communities and individuals. The trial of the right-wing group planning to overthrow the government serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by extremist ideologies. It is crucial for authorities to work towards fostering a more inclusive and peaceful society in order to combat the rise of political violence and hate crimes.
