Interior Minister Supports Ban on 'Reichsbürger' Group

The German government has intensified its efforts against the so-called 'Reichsbürger' movement, which challenges the legitimacy of the German state. This crackdown includes a raid and subsequent arrests targeting the largest group within this movement, known as 'Königreich Deutschland' (Kingdom of Germany). The group reportedly has around 6,000 followers nationwide.

Katrin Lange, the Interior Minister of Brandenburg, expressed her support for the actions taken by Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt shortly after he assumed office. She stated that the 'Königreich Deutschland' group clearly opposes the fundamental principles of Germany's democratic order. The recent prohibition of this group aims to curtail the influence of these pseudo-state structures.

The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz) has been closely monitoring activities associated with the 'Reichsbürger' movement, particularly the 'Königreich Deutschland' faction. According to the 2024 Verfassungsschutz report, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of businesses linked to the 'KRD' in Brandenburg, with over 20 identified enterprises operating in various sectors, including healthcare and craftsmanship. These include practitioners such as midwives and alternative health providers.

Additionally, the report highlights a decline in the activities of 'Reichsbürger' in the village of Rutenberg, located in Uckermark, which had previously attracted attention. This development underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to address the challenges posed by extremist groups in the region.

The prohibition of the 'Königreich Deutschland' serves as a significant move in the broader strategy to dismantle extremist networks and uphold democratic values in Germany. As the state continues to monitor these groups, the focus remains on safeguarding public safety and reinforcing the principles of the democratic constitutional order.