Overview

• Since summer 2024, right-wing extremist youth cells have proliferated nationwide with concentrations in Baden-Württemberg, Thüringen and Sachsen.
• The groups recruit members via social media and gaming platforms before organizing real-world events such as hikes, demonstrations and martial arts training.
• Security authorities assess their violence potential as high with some cells conducting regular combat-sport sessions to prepare for violent confrontations.
• Officials highlight anti-LGBTQ+ hostility as a gateway into the extremist scene alongside anti-Muslim and xenophobic messaging.
• Experts warn that proposed surveillance of minors and recent cuts to political education budgets risk alienating young people and weakening prevention efforts.