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STORIES
THE QUIET RISE
Germany
Far-right extremism in Germany is no longer hidden at the edges of society. Neo-Nazi groups march through towns, gather in public spaces, and run for office. Their presence is open and organized, showing a direct clash between democracy and fascism, between memory and denial.
Symbols of hate return under new names, while ideas once considered taboo are now spoken in political debates. Step by step, intolerance moves into everyday life, on the streets, in schools, and in local communities. What was once rare now appears familiar.
The Quiet Rise documents this shift. It shows both the public face of extremism and the quieter ways it spreads: gestures, spaces, and silences that make it part of daily reality. The story points to the growing divide between democratic values and exclusionary ideologies.
This work stands as both evidence and warning. Fascism does not reappear overnight, it returns slowly, as society looks away. The danger lies not only in those who march, but in those who remain silent.
A cap reading “Make Germany Great Again” rests on the table during a far-right gathering. Inspired by U.S. slogans, such symbols have been adopted by German nationalist circles seeking to mainstream extreme ideologies under the banner of patriotism.
“Tobias” (name changed), 24, a member of Der III. Weg, poses in a field near Bad Doberan, Germany, flashing a hand gesture widely associated with white supremacist ideology — forming the letters ‘W’ and ‘P’ for ‘White Power.’ Once dismissed as a trolling meme, the sign has become a coded symbol within far-right networks. “I’m worried for the future,” he said. “These globalists, leftists, and foreigners are destroying my once-great country. I couldn’t just sit and watch it being doomed.” He described his activism as a form of resistance: “That’s why I decided to fight — and I’m doing my best to help others join our cause. Enough is enough.” German authorities classify Der III. Weg as an extremist group that promotes neo-Nazi ideology and has been expanding its presence in eastern Germany.
Young men from the Junge Nationalistic, the youth organization of Germany’s far-right NPD party, gather at a nationalist rally. The group is classified as extremist by German intelligence services and promotes ethnonationalist and anti-democratic ideologies.
Lois Wagner, a leading member of the Junge Nationalisten (JN), stands as a vocal proponent of ethnonationalist ideology. He claims his facial features prove his Aryan heritage, identifying himself as part of the so-called 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.” The JN, youth wing of the far-right Nationaldemokratische Partei Deutschlands (NPD), has been monitored by German intelligence for extremist activities, including the promotion of racial superiority and anti-democratic values.
Delegates vote during a regional conference of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Schleswig-Holstein. The slogan “Ja!” — meaning “Yes!” — fills the room as members approve motions with near-unanimous support. Once seen as a fringe protest party, the AfD has steadily gained ground in Germany’s political landscape, especially in eastern states. Intelligence services have placed sections of the party under surveillance for suspected extremist activity, citing anti-democratic rhetoric, xenophobic agitation, and ties to far-right networks.
“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), youth wing of the far-right NPD, attend a nationalist rally in 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 has been under surveillance for promoting neo-Nazi ideology, including racial superiority and anti-constitutional agendas.
Young men from the Junge Nationalisten, the youth organization of Germany’s far-right NPD party, gather at a nationalist rally. The group is classified as extremist by German intelligence services and promotes ethnonationalist and anti-democratic ideologies.
“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.”
Far-right activists take part in a night march in Demmin, Germany. Many carry imperial German flags — a common symbol used by neo-Nazi groups to circumvent the ban on swastikas and other Nazi insignia.
Right-wing demonstrators shout at anti-fascist protesters during a counter demonstration. Day by day, the number of far-right supporters in Germany is rising. Many express open hostilities toward democratic institutions and call for radical change.
Election poster of Christian Lindner, member of the FDP, the Free Democratic Party, A right wing political group. Across Germany, symbols and ideologies once thought buried are creeping back into public life, carried by a growing far-right movement emboldened by nationalism and resentment. The past is no longer just the past.
Protesters gather for an anti-AfD rally in Hamburg. Tens of thousands took to the streets across Germany in early 2024 to oppose the rising popularity of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland party. In Hamburg, demonstrators filled the city center with handmade signs, chants, and silence alike. “NO!!” reads one sign held up amid the dense crowd — a simple, defiant message echoing a growing resistance to nationalist rhetoric and xenophobia.
Anti-fascist demonstrators attempt to break through a police line during a protest in Hannover, Germany. The group was trying to reach a neo-Nazi gathering taking place nearby. Clashes between opposing groups have intensified in recent months, reflecting a growing polarization within German society.
A citizen is detained by police during a counter-demonstration against a neo-Nazi march in Dresden, Germany. Critics have accused law enforcement of using disproportionate force against anti-fascist protesters while allowing far-right events to proceed under protection.
German police with dogs block a road during a night operation. Authorities routinely use tactical units to prevent clashes between far-right groups and counter-demonstrators.
An elderly resident watches from his window as a right-wing march passes through the streets of Demmin, Germany. The town, historically linked to far-right commemorations, has increasingly become a flashpoint for counterdemonstrations by anti-fascist groups. Public reactions in Demmin vary widely, with many residents observing from the sidelines as political tensions unfold in their neighborhoods.
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