Far-right violence surges in Germany as civil society groups face funding cuts
Civil society groups across Germany are facing rising threats and violence from far-right extremists. In 2025 alone, researchers recorded 112 attacks—an average of one every three days—with half occurring in eastern Germany. Meanwhile, political shifts have left hundreds of anti-extremism projects uncertain about their future funding. Recent incidents highlight the growing danger. In Cottbus, the Rainbow Center was set ablaze just days before the city's Pride celebrations. An autonomous youth centre in Hanover was smeared with butyric acid, while Bastian Drumm, a social worker in Kusel, Rhineland-Palatinate, received hate mail, death threats, and extremist stickers at his community centre. His organisation, Kontaktstelle Holler, runs the annual 'No Tolerance for Nazis' festival—a frequent target of far-right hostility.
The threats extend beyond physical attacks. The far-right AfD faction in Riesa demanded that all young people in youth centre programs be registered by name and address. Experts warn that while the AfD marks targets, other extremist groups escalate to direct violence. In 2024, 211 antisemitic incidents were documented at Nazi memorial sites—nearly double the previous year's total. Amid the crisis, Federal Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) announced a realignment of the *'Live Democracy!'* programme, placing 200 funded projects in jeopardy. Drumm has called for stronger public opposition from conservative citizens and CDU members, urging them to visibly support anti-far-right actions.
The surge in attacks and political uncertainty has left many civil society groups vulnerable. With funding cuts looming and extremist violence intensifying, organisations like Drumm's are pushing for broader solidarity. The coming months will determine whether these efforts can withstand the growing pressure from far-right forces.
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