STORIES

THE QUIET RISE

Germany

The Quiet Rise documents the public presence of neo-Nazi and far-right extremist groups in Germany. Photographed between 2024 and 2025, the project follows these groups through demonstrations, organized marches, meetings, and private gatherings. It records how extremist ideology is no longer confined to hidden spaces but is increasingly expressed openly through slogans, symbols, clothing, and coordinated public actions.

Over time, the photographer followed individuals and networks from large public rallies into smaller gatherings and personal spaces. Access was gained through open observation as well as undercover reporting when necessary. The work shows how participants have grown more visible and confident, no longer concealing their identities or beliefs, and how extremist narratives circulate both in public and within closed circles.

The project also observes the presence of the police during these events. Tactical units are deployed to control public space and prevent direct confrontation. Anti-fascist groups and civil rights organizations have accused law enforcement of using disproportionate force against counter-protesters while allowing far-right gatherings to proceed under protection. The Quiet Rise documents a political landscape in which neo-Nazi ideology continues to organize, adapt, and assert itself in public life.

“Tobias” (name changed), 24, a member of Der III. Weg, poses in a field near Bad Doberan, Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania, Germany, in 2025, making a hand sign used as a coded symbol for “White Power” within far-right networks. Der III. Weg is classified by German authorities as an extremist organization that promotes neo-Nazi ideology and is primarily active in eastern Germany. “These globalists, leftists, and foreigners are destroying my once-great country. I couldn’t just sit and watch it being doomed,” he said. “That’s why I decided to fight, and I’m doing my best to help others join our cause. Enough is enough.”

Lois Wagner, a member of the Junge Nationalisten (JN), speaks at an event in Wetzlar, Germany. The JN is the youth organization of the far-right party formerly known as the Nationaldemokratische Partei Deutschlands (NPD), now called Die Heimat. German domestic intelligence classifies the group as extremist. Wagner promotes ethnonationalist ideology and claims that his facial features prove his “Aryan” heritage, identifying himself as part of what he refers to as the “Nordic race.” “Germany should be for Germans,” he said. “That’s our right, to preserve who we are. If we don’t stand up now, we’ll lose everything our ancestors built.”

“Marcel” (name changed), 24, a member of the Junge Nationalisten, poses in a residential backyard in Göttingen, Germany. “We don’t call ourselves Nazis. We are patriots. We protect our land. They want to destroy everything we stand for,” he said. “We’re not the extremists—they are,” he added, referring to leftist and queer activists. “Every time we speak out, they call it hate. But we’re just defending our way of life.” When asked about democracy, he responded: “The system doesn’t work anymore. People like us get silenced. It’s time for a new order.” German security services report rising recruitment among young men, particularly in rural and economically deprived areas.

Members of the Junge Nationalisten (JN), the youth wing of the far-right party formerly known as the NPD and now called Die Heimat, attend a nationalist rally in Wetzlar, eastern Germany. Several wore symbols such as the Iron Cross and Thor’s hammer, which are commonly seen in far-right and neo-Nazi subcultures. “We’re not afraid to show who we are anymore,” said one of the participants. “We’re the true sons of this land, and we’re taking it back.” The JN is classified as extremist and is monitored by German domestic intelligence for promoting neo-Nazi ideology, including racial superiority and anti-constitutional agendas.

Election poster of Christian Lindner, a member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), in Germany. A Hitler-style mustache has been painted onto his face on the poster. Lindner served as Federal Minister of Finance from 2021 to 2024 and is a leading figure of the party. The vandalized poster appears amid increasing political polarization and public debate over the rise of far-right movements in Germany.

“Christian” (name changed), 21, a member of the Junge Nationalisten (JN), poses for a portrait. The JN, youth wing of the far-right NPD, is monitored by German intelligence for promoting neo-Nazi ideology and anti-constitutional agendas. “We’re not extremists, we’re realists,” Christian said. “Multiculturalism has failed. Crime is rising, and Germans are becoming strangers in their own cities.” He described joining the JN as a way to reclaim national pride and prepare for what he calls a cultural fight. “If talking doesn’t work, we’re ready to take serious action. Me and my comrades won’t just stand by while our country is dismantled.”