taz.de
Brandenburg Sees 20% Surge in Far-Right Extremists in 2024
The number of far-right extremists in Brandenburg, Germany, surged by 20 percent in 2024 to 3,650, with nearly 40 percent deemed violent, primarily due to youth radicalization fueled by social media; this increase follows the classification of the AfD state branch as far-right.
- What is the extent of the recent increase in far-right extremism in Brandenburg, and what are the immediate consequences?
- In Brandenburg, the number of far-right extremists rose by 20 percent in 2024, reaching 3,650, with 1,430 considered violent. This is a threefold increase since 2015 and a new high. The rise is attributed to youth radicalization, fueled by social media.
- How are social media and the mixing of ideologies contributing to the rise in youth radicalization within far-right extremist groups?
- The increase in far-right extremism in Brandenburg is linked to the radicalization of young people, often involving a blend of ideologies facilitated by social media. This mirrors a national trend and highlights the need for improved counter-extremism strategies. The involvement of 1,400 members of the AfD, including its dissolved youth wing, further complicates the issue.
- What are the long-term implications of insufficient funding for victim support services in Brandenburg in relation to the rising threat of far-right violence?
- The 25,000 euro cut to funding for the Opferperspektive counseling service, which supports victims of right-wing violence, is particularly concerning given the rise in attacks. This points towards a potential failure to adequately address the growing threat of far-right extremism in Brandenburg, hindering support for victims and potentially exacerbating the problem.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the increase in right-wing extremism in Brandenburg as a serious and alarming trend. The headline and opening paragraphs emphasize the significant rise in numbers, highlighting the percentage increase and the growing number of violent extremists. This framing, while factually accurate, could be perceived as alarmist and might influence reader perception towards a heightened sense of threat. The inclusion of the quote from the Minister of the Interior further emphasizes this alarmist tone. While not inherently biased, this framing prioritizes the negative aspects and could overshadow other relevant information or contextual factors.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and factual, presenting statistics and quotes directly. However, terms like "massiv gestiegen" (massively increased) and "unfassbare Geschwindigkeit" (unbelievable speed) in relation to the rise in extremism contribute to a heightened sense of alarm and could be perceived as loaded language. More neutral alternatives could include "significant increase" and "rapid increase." The overall tone, while informative, leans towards conveying a sense of urgency and concern.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the rise in right-wing extremism in Brandenburg, providing statistics and quotes from officials. However, it omits potential counterarguments or alternative perspectives on the reasons for this increase. While acknowledging the funding cuts to victim support services, it doesn't explore potential solutions beyond increased funding or delve into broader societal factors that might contribute to the rise in extremism. The lack of diverse voices beyond those of officials and victim support representatives could be considered a bias by omission.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present a false dichotomy, but the framing might implicitly suggest a simplistic view of the problem. The focus on the rise in right-wing extremism and the lack of detailed exploration of contributing factors could inadvertently create a false dichotomy between right-wing extremism as the sole problem and the solutions offered (increased funding for victim support). More nuanced exploration of root causes would mitigate this.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article reports a significant increase in the number of right-wing extremists in Brandenburg, Germany, including a rise in those considered violent. This directly undermines peace, justice, and strong institutions by fostering an environment of fear and insecurity, challenging the rule of law, and potentially leading to increased violence and discrimination. The decrease in funding for victim support services further exacerbates the issue, hindering efforts to address the root causes of right-wing extremism and support victims of violence.