Berlin Office for the Protection of the Constitution: Extremist Potential Growing – Young People in the Focus of Propaganda

The Islamist scene in Berlin also grew, according to the report: Around 2,590 individuals were attributed to it in 2025, compared to 2,440 in 2024. In addition, there is an extremist anti-Israel scene, to which the Berlin office attributes approximately 600 members, and which continues to spread anti-Israeli propaganda.

Left-Wing Extremism and Eco-Anarchism

Both right-wing extremists and Islamists directed their propaganda specifically at adolescents and young adults. Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) stated that the goal is "to radicalize them and lead them to unconstitutional and inhumane positions at ever younger ages. This propaganda increasingly reaches more young people through social media and has become a central driver of radicalization." Spranger described the development as "worrying."

In right-wing extremism, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution has identified a phenomenon for the first time, described as "violence-oriented right-wing extremist online cultures." This is a new youth scene that primarily forms online and is characterized by an increased willingness to use violence. The report names the party "Der III. Weg" with its youth organization "Nationalrevolutionäre Jugend" (NRJ), the party "Die Heimat" (formerly NPD), and the umbrella organization of the so-called New Right as relevant actors.

In the left-wing extremist spectrum, the Berlin office observes an increasing willingness to use violence, particularly concerning environmental policy. The report states that the underlying ideology of "eco-anarchism" has noticeably contributed to the radicalization of the violence-oriented segment of the left-wing extremist scene in Berlin. The number of members in violence-oriented autonomous and post-autonomous groups has increased.

Islamism, Salafism, and the Anti-Israel Scene

Small, independently acting groups carried out several arson attacks in Berlin in 2025. The most prominent case was the attack on the Adlershof technology site in the eastern part of the city on September 9, 2025, which caused a power outage lasting several days for tens of thousands of people. Left-wing extremist violence is therefore directed against state institutions, companies, and critical infrastructure.

In the Islamist domain, there is also an indication of growing professionalization. International terror networks and Salafist preachers have intensified their activities, especially on the internet. Salafist content is spreading faster and more directly via social media, increasingly reaching young people.

In the extremist anti-Israel scene, the Berlin Office for the Protection of the Constitution names the "United Palestinian National Committee," "BDS Berlin," and "Young Struggle" as relevant actors. The scene organized numerous events where Israel's right to exist was denied and Hamas terrorist acts were celebrated.

Although the report covers the year 2025, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution points to ongoing risks: In January 2026, after the reporting period, another attack on Berlin's energy supply occurred. This example illustrates that the trends described in the report – growing numbers of individuals, more professional online propaganda, and violence against critical infrastructure – persist.

Overall, the office concludes, the number of individuals posing a threat to the constitution has increased in all areas of extremism. The Berlin Office for the Protection of the Constitution sees the increasing reach of young people through digital channels as a central challenge.