Political Extremism

Extremist groups, organisations and parties pose a danger to a democratic society because they are opposed to the basic order of a free and democratic society. 

Extremists usually claim absolute truth for their ideology. Their thinking is reduced to categories of friend or foe, which are typical for extremist ideologies and go hand in hand with a strong propensity to believe in conspiracy theories, populist simplifications of complex issues and a marked adherence to their own views. 

Their politically motivated criminal violence is directed at people who they are hostile towards on the basis of, for example, their attitude, religion, nationality, skin colour, world view, sexual orientation or other characteristics. 

It is a basic value of a pluralistic society and a central duty of the state to protect and defend the freedom of each and every individual from extremism of any kind, be it left-wing or right-wing extremism, anti-Semitism or Islamophobia. For this reason, the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag) has made funds available within the Budget Act so that hardship payments can be made to the victims of extremist attacks. These payments, which are made on a voluntary basis and to which there is no legal entitlement, are to be seen as an act of solidarity on the part of the state and its citizens with those affected by such attacks. At the same time, these payments should send a clear signal that the state and its citizens condemn such attacks in the strongest possible terms. 

Find help fast

Victims, family members close to persons who are possibly becoming radicalised and professionals such as teachers can find information about the different currents of political extremism, advice services and prevention programmes on the following websites: