Over 4,200 criminal offenses were reported during the election campaign by security authorities

In the run-up to Germany's federal election, the German Interior Ministry has revealed a troubling trend in election-related crimes. According to the report, right-wing extremists, particularly those associated with the Alternative for Germany (AfD), classified as a "secured right-wing extremist endeavour", are responsible for the majority of these offences.

Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) has added his voice to the concern, stating that large groups of disruptive individuals, often aggressive, appear at almost every public event during the election campaign. Spahn believes this behaviour follows from the cycle of hate speech, which he believes has fueled a form of "pandemic extremism" in Germany.

The authorities have identified over 4,200 criminal offenses related to the election campaign. These offenses primarily involve property damage, particularly to campaign posters. Numerous violent offenses, propaganda offenses, and insults have also been recorded. However, authorities could not attribute nearly two-thirds of the criminal offenses to any political spectrum. The remaining offenses were distributed across the left- and right-wing extremist spectrum.

Spahn's concerns are not unfounded. The sharing of content multiple times, although without specific details or context, suggests a widespread and persistent issue. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) registered 4,035 criminal offenses two weeks before the federal election, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

While the election campaign has been marred by these disturbing incidents, it is crucial to remember that the democratic process continues. The German people will soon exercise their right to vote, and it is hoped that this will mark a step towards a more peaceful and united Germany.