Germany recorded its highest level of politically motivated crime in 2025, according to official data cited in media reports.
Authorities documented 85,837 such offenses over the year, marking a 2 percent increase compared to 2024 and the highest total since nationwide tracking began in 2001. The figures, reported by Süddeutsche Zeitung based on Federal Criminal Police Office data, show a significant long-term rise, with incidents more than doubling since 2015.
Far-right activities accounted for the largest share, with 42,544 recorded offenses, making them the most prominent source of politically driven crime. Far-left groups were linked to the second-highest number, with 13,490 cases.
Investigators attributed the overall increase partly to the early federal election held in February 2025, which led to a surge in politically charged incidents targeting opponents.
Officials also pointed to the influence of global tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East, as contributing factors. Around 6,886 cases were linked to foreign ideological motives, while 1,983 were associated with religious motivations.
In addition, authorities said approximately 20,934 cases could not be clearly assigned to a specific political or ideological category.
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