Berlin [Germany], May 23: The head of the German intelligence agency BfW, Thomas Haldenwang, warned today about the rise of extremism fueled by authoritarian states such as Russia, which he claims want to divide society and overthrow the elected government.
German security agencies have in recent years foiled plans by smaller groups linked to the Citizens of the Reich movement, accused of plotting attacks on key infrastructure, government officials and the Bundestag.
Although it is unclear how far-reaching the plans were, authorities have expressed concern that the alleged conspirators were able to obtain weapons and recruit figures who are not usually on the radar of security agencies, such as judges and police officers.
Haldenwang, who heads the Federal Institute for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), said that he was particularly concerned about the connection of once separate groups, from the far right to conspiracy theorists, and their willingness to use weapons.
"What unites these groups is that they despise our country and the democratic system, reject it and want to abolish it," Haldenwang told The Associated Press in Berlin.
He added that extremists consciously use controversial political or social issues to spread fear and gain new followers.
"All these issues can be used to spread a certain narrative and create the impression that the state has no control over certain situations and therefore needs to be overthrown," he added.
Haldenwang said that such trends are actively encouraged by countries such as Russia, which has an interest in destabilizing democracy in Germany, Europe's largest economy.
Source: Beta News Agency