German army dismissed 97 soldiers last year due to right-wing extremism

(Patria) - The German army dismissed 97 soldiers last year due to right-wing extremist activities, as the country faces an increase in far-right incidents in the armed forces.

According to a report by the Ministry of Defense published yesterday, authorities recorded 280 incidents of right-wing extremism, racism, or anti-Semitic behavior in the German army in 2024.

This is a significant increase compared to 205 cases in 2023. Among these were Nazi salutes, racist statements, and singing far-right songs.

Left Party politician Zada Salihović told public broadcaster WDR that the growing number of right-wing extremist incidents is alarming.

- In some cases, the accused still had access to weapons or even acted as instructors and superiors. Greater efforts are needed given the danger posed by militarily trained right-wing extremists - Salihović said.

She believes that individuals who reject democratic principles should not be allowed to serve in uniform or have access to weapons.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating that every case of extremism is too many and cannot be tolerated.

- Right-wing extremism is one of the greatest threats to democracy. The fight against extremism in the Bundeswehr remains our top priority - he said.

The German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, currently have about 180,000 active military personnel and 80,000 civilian employees.