The mayor of Spremberg sounds the alarm: Right-wing extremist danger is growing!

The mayor of Spremberg sounds the alarm: Right-wing extremist danger is growing!

There is a worrying wind in the tranquil town of Spremberg. Mayor Christine Herntier (non-party) expressed her concerns about the growing influence of right-wing extremists in an incendiary letter to the city's 22,000 residents. These alarming developments cast a shadow over the calm atmosphere that prevails in Spremberg. Herntier highlights the worrying rise of right-wing extremist sentiment in the region and calls for more police presence and increased video surveillance in this context.

Brandenburg Interior Minister René Wilke (independent) announces that support from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution is on the way. A planned meeting on site is intended to discuss concrete measures to support the city. Wilke emphasizes the urgency of implementing prevention measures in schools to counteract radicalization. The Victim Perspective Advisory Center also expresses its concern about the current situation, pointing to a widespread feeling of fear among democratically committed citizens.

Growing threat of radicalization

The numbers speak for themselves: The Office for the Protection of the Constitution reports a high of 3,650 right-wing extremists in Brandenburg, which is almost 20% more than in the previous year. What is particularly alarming is that 40% of these people are violence-oriented. Spremberg, the AfD's stronghold, generated 45.51% of the second votes for the AfD in the federal election in February 2025. This raises questions about social structures and the acceptance of right-wing extremist views.

“Continuities of right-wing terrorist acts of violence have existed for decades,” explains the Federal Agency for Civic Education. The measures against right-wing extremism are complex and must be addressed at different levels. Socio-educational prevention and de-radicalization work, educational offers on racism and anti-Semitism, and memorial work for the victims of right-wing extremist violence are urgently needed.

Focus on prevention and education

However, identifying the right-wing extremist actors is difficult because they often do not have any characteristics typical of the scene. Awareness of the spread of right-wing extremist attitudes is widespread in society, even beyond the social margins. In connection with the AfD, there are already documented links to right-wing extremist groups, which contribute to a worrying climate of insecurity.

The federal government's catalog of measures against right-wing extremism between 2021 and 2024 aims to promote democracy, bring photography of civil society projects to the fore and strengthen intercultural exchange. Despite these extensive initiatives, the increase in right-wing extremist violence remains worrying and raises questions about financial security and the future of civil society initiatives. Political education for children and young people is not only a fundamental right, but is also essential for democracy education.

Current social developments, exacerbated by events such as the corona pandemic, could also fuel right-wing authoritarian dynamics. In Spremberg, those responsible are watching developments with concern and know: “There is something going on” - action is urgently required so that the city does not end up in a downward spiral.