Germany in 2025 recorded a significant imbalance in politically motivated violent crime—with left-wing attacks against right-wing targets occurring far more frequently than violence in the opposite direction—according to official data from the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
Figures released in response to a parliamentary inquiry by Alternative for Germany (AfD) show that 606 violent crimes classified as “PMK-left” were registered with the subtopic field “against right” in 2025. By comparison, 182 violent offences were recorded as “PMK-right” with the subtopic “against left.” While authorities note that the final crime statistics for 2025 are not yet complete, the data indicate that left-wing perpetrators carried out more than three times as many attacks against political opponents as right-wing offenders did.
The figures also reveal a sharp year-on-year increase in political violence overall. In 2024, authorities recorded 416 cases of left-wing violence against right-wing targets, meaning the 2025 figure represents a rise of more than 30%. During the same period, right-wing attacks against left-wing targets increased from 147 to 182 cases.
The rise in left-wing extremist violence has been particularly visible in Berlin, where police report a sustained wave of arson attacks targeting vehicles. Official figures show that 407 cars were deliberately set on fire in 2025, with an additional 231 vehicles damaged by spreading flames. Thirty-five of these incidents were classified as politically motivated, damaging 48 further vehicles. Police say the attacks are largely attributed to organised left-wing extremist groups.
In recent weeks, attacks attributed to leftist militants have expanded beyond property destruction to critical infrastructure, including Berlin’s power network, leaving tens of thousands without electricity during freezing winter conditions.
