Politically motivated crime in Lower Saxony has reached its highest level!

Politically motivated crime in Lower Saxony has reached its highest level!

The crime clock is sounding the alarm in Lower Saxony: Politically motivated crimes will have reached a new high in 2024. The numbers are shocking and raise concerns about the security and stability of our constitutional state. How n-tv reported, a total of 7,633 crimes were registered nationwide - an increase of 2,439 compared to the previous year. This represents the highest level in a decade.

The increasing number of cases is closely linked to the European elections in June 2024, which alone resulted in 1,305 crimes. A significant proportion of crimes recorded a right-wing motivation, increasing from 2,552 to 3,643 cases. Over half of these crimes were propaganda crimes, among which the display of forbidden symbols such as swastikas and SS runes are widespread NDR notes.

Acts of violence in the political landscape

Propensity for violence also shows worrying trends. A total of 333 politically motivated violent crimes were recorded, a clear increase compared to the 204 cases in 2023. The increase in right-wing motivated violent crimes is particularly alarming, rising from 66 to 88. This also includes attempted murder and numerous physical injuries. Left-wing motivated crimes have also reached a high level, with an increase from 572 (2023) to 1,159 for 2024. Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) expressed concern that the greatest threat to the rule of law comes from the right and called for more powers for the security authorities.

Especially with regard to the political discourse in Germany, one could say: “There is something going on.” The debate about the security situation is heated and will certainly continue to play a central role in the political sphere in the coming months.

A look into the future

For the current year 2025, the authorities are reporting that the number of cases will continue to rise. As of November 2025, an increase for the current year in the “low four-digit range” was recorded. The State Criminal Police Office can currently only publish preliminary statistics; the exact figures are expected for 2024. The need for decisive action becomes clear when one considers the people behind these figures and the social tensions they reflect.

The experts point out that, in addition to political disputes, national and international conflicts as well as changed communication structures also play a role. The figures for foreign ideologies falling from 449 to 436, while religiously motivated crimes increased slightly, further underline the complexity of the situation Lower Saxony summarizes.

With a growing number of politically motivated crimes, society is not only facing the challenge of security, but also the question of how we can promote non-violent, democratic debates. The topic remains exciting and we will continue to monitor developments closely.