Are there threats of right-wing attacks? Democracy in danger – CSD organizer speaks clearly!

Are there threats of right-wing attacks? Democracy in danger – CSD organizer speaks clearly!

Sebastian Hülser, 25 years old, a committed co-organizer of the Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Grevesmühlen, sees democracy in danger. He has recently experienced more hostility and attempts at intimidation, which are increasing particularly in the context of his political work. According to Robert Schiedewitz of Lobby MV, the number of right-wing motivated attacks reached an alarming peak in 2024. Hülser, who grew up in Witzin near Sternberg and is intensively involved in social projects, describes his experiences with threats, such as notes in the mailbox during his candidacy for the Bundestag.

Especially at this year's CSD on September 13th, which was accompanied by a right-wing extremist demonstration, Hülser noted that security precautions are essential. “I see democracy at risk,” he says, highlighting a serious situation that affects many people in the region. Schiedewitz reports that a total of 2,184 cases of politically motivated crime were recorded in 2024, with 150 right-wing motivated attacks documented in 2023 - the highest number since recording began in 2003.

Growing threat from right-wing extremism

The numbers speak for themselves: Politically motivated crime (PMK) is increasing. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office's surveys, this includes not only right-wing motivated crimes, but also left-wing motivated crimes. The latter rose to 361 cases in 2024, representing an increase of 193 compared to the previous year. The main motive of the attacks is often racism, an ideology that serves as the basis for the attacks. In its documentation, the Lobbi advice center draws a worrying assessment of 150 right-wing motivated attacks in 2023, which makes it clear that society must take countermeasures here. According to the Statista survey, politically motivated acts of violence in Germany are also subject to a constant increase in the period from 2001 to 2024.

Constanze Oehlrich, leader of the Green Party, highlights the pressure on democracy caused by right-wing extremism and the spread of disinformation. Faced with these challenges, the Greens organized a democracy conference attended by over 100 people. There, strategies for networking civil society and politics were considered. The insights gained from the workshops on topics such as disinformation and citizen participation are essential for future cooperation.

Initiatives for a secure future

The Greens are also committed to a democracy promotion law that is intended to create long-term support for projects and initiatives. Oehlrich has called for funding for democracy promotion to be increased in the 2026/2027 double budget. Given the increasing threats from politically motivated acts of violence, it is clear that additional measures are needed. Politically motivated violent crime ranges from physical injuries to homicide and is a serious problem that cannot be ignored.

The Federal Criminal Police Office has already taken measures to counteract politically motivated crime. The KIA-R cooperation platform is used to optimize internet evaluation by security authorities. An increased focus on hate crimes directed against individuals, groups or institutions shows that there is a need for action. A clear appeal to society to show moral courage and take a stand against hatred and violence is more necessary than ever before.