Germany has seen a marked increase in violent crimes linked to leftwing extremism in 2025, according to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV). The domestic intelligence agency reported a 60 percent rise in attacks including attempted murder, assault, sabotage, and arson tied to leftwing ideologies.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who unveiled the agency’s annual report, described leftwing extremism as a growing threat to public safety and order. He attributed this resurgence largely to reactions against persistent rightwing extremism in the country, highlighting a concerning pattern of mutual radicalisation between the two groups.

“The potential for violence is rising significantly among both leftwing and rightwing extremists,” Dobrindt said, underscoring intensifying tensions within Germany’s extremist landscape.

The BfV attributed part of the leftwing surge to developments in the Middle East over the past year and a half, pointing to increased recruitment amid pro-Palestinian movements in Germany. These groups have reportedly been penetrated by extremist organisations promoting violent political tactics.

One notable incident occurred in January when the leftwing group Vulkangruppe destroyed an electricity substation in Berlin, leaving approximately 100,000 residents without power for several days during freezing weather. Authorities expressed surprise at the sophistication of the attack and have faced challenges in identifying members of the clandestine organisation.

BfV President Sinan Selen noted that many leftwing extremist groups operate underground with highly secretive and, at times, professionally organised structures. The agency is currently monitoring multiple such networks, stressing their commitment to violent methods to achieve political change.

While the number of violent crimes driven by leftwing extremists reached 856 last year, rightwing extremist violence remained higher, with 1,395 incidents recorded. The report indicates that both spectrums of political extremism pose significant security risks that the German authorities continue to confront.