Germany’s domestic intelligence agency says that right-wing extremism continues to pose the greatest threat to the country’s democratic order, and has reported a significant rise in the number of identified extremists during the past year. The agency estimates there are now nearly 59,000 right-wing extremists, including several thousand considered willing to use violence. Officials say the increase is linked in part to growing support for the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), whose designation as a suspected extremist organisation is currently on hold pending the result of legal proceedings. The report also highlights rising violence associated with left-wing extremism and a slight increase in Islamist extremism. Security officials expressed concern that extremist groups are increasingly seeking to influence young people through music events, online platforms and conspiracy narratives. German democracy faces sustained pressure from many directions, including foreign intelligence activities – especially from Russia, China and Iran.