Right-wing extremist violence in MV: Bernstadt specialists alerted!

Right-wing extremist violence in MV: Bernstadt specialists alerted!

There is a sense of alarm in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: A current study shows that 80% of professionals in social institutions have experienced right-wing extremist activities in the past year. These figures come from the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. The focus is on various forms of right-wing extremism, particularly symbols in public spaces such as graffiti and stickers, as well as insults and threats towards employees in the social sector. The facts are alarming: around half of those surveyed reported a noticeable increase in such incidents over the last decade, indicating a worrying trend. In this context, it is becoming increasingly clear that right-wing extremist groups are trying to actively influence vulnerable groups, such as homeless people, older people and children.

The study highlights the need for comprehensive further education and training opportunities for skilled workers. So far only a third of those surveyed use such offers regularly. In addition to the demand for better protection for those affected - for example through more intensive cooperation with the police and state security - a clear stance is required from those responsible for politics. This could play a crucial role, particularly in public appearances and the awarding of funding.

Right-wing extremist threats are increasing

The most recent incidents include a search in the Rostock district, where the residence of a 54-year-old who is suspected of supporting attack plans by a Reich citizen group was searched. The situation continues to worsen: a suspected right-wing extremist terrorist group called “Last Defense Wave” is planning and carrying out attacks. The suspects from Rostock and Wismar are considered the ringleaders of these dangerous structures. This is in line with the latest statistics, which show a new high in right-wing extremist crimes in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

A look at the nationwide situation makes it clear that the development is not just a local problem. There were a total of 37,835 registered right-wing extremist crimes in 2024, an increase of 47.4% compared to the previous year. The number of violent confrontations rose by 11.6%, with physical offenses with a xenophobic background also increasing significantly. These data make it clear that the social mood has changed and that the new right and right-wing extremist ways of thinking and acting can also influence social work, as the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences has stated.

Comprehensive research necessary

As part of a research project led by Prof. Dr. Christine Krüger and Prof. Dr. Júlia Wéber from the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences systematically examines the influence of the new right on social work. The aim is not only to collect empirical data for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, but also to analyze the interactions with results from North Rhine-Westphalia. A mixed methods approach is followed, which takes both quantitative and qualitative data into account.

In summary, right-wing extremism in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is not just an insidious problem, but also manifests itself in audible and visible attacks on those who work in social work. It is time for all social actors to come together and find solutions together to counteract this trend and ensure the security and integrity of the social landscape.