Data released by the German federal government indicates a disproportionate incidence of right-wing criminal activity in the eastern states of the country during 2024 Responding to a parliamentary inquiry from Left Party representative Clara Bünger, the government data reveals significant regional variations in the rate of such offenses per capita
Brandenburg recorded the highest number of right-wing related crimes with 142 incidents per 100,000 residents, followed closely by Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (139), Sachsen-Anhalt (137), Thuringia (135) and Saxony (104) City-states such as Berlin (76), Hamburg (73) and Bremen (57) registered lower rates, while Saarland recorded 54 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants and Schleswig-Holstein reported 51
These crimes encompass a range of offenses, from propaganda and defamation to incitement, property damage and violent acts including assault and arson
Commenting on the findings, Bünger highlighted the data as identifying specific areas where right-wing extremism is most prevalent, necessitating focused intervention She emphasized the need for sustained support for victim support and activist resources, as well as proactive measures to counter far-right activity and a strong commitment from political and administrative bodies to anti-racist and anti-fascist principles