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Germany bans far-right ‘Kingdom of Germany’ group

13 May 2025

Berlin, Germany – German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has banned the far-right group ‘Königreich Deutschland’ (Kingdom of Germany), a faction within the so-called ‘Reichsbürger’ (Reich Citizens) movement, accusing it of trying to establish a ‘counter-state’ within Germany.

The ban came as police on Tuesday conducted raids on the properties of key members of the group in seven German states, making four arrests, including that of Peter Fitzek, the self-declared monarch of the ‘Kingdom’.

Security authorities believe Fitzek to have founded the group in 2012.

What did Dobrindt say of the ban?

Justifying the ban on the group, Dobrindt said: “The members of this association have created a ‘counter-state’ in our country and built up criminal economic structures.”

“In this way, they undermine the rule of law and the Federal Republic’s monopoly on the legitimate use of force,” he added. “At the same time, they use antisemitic conspiracy narratives to back up their supposed claim to authority.”

The ban also includes associated splinter groups.

‘Kingdom of Germany’ group

According to Dobrindt, the ‘Kingdom of Germany’ group, which reportedly has around 6,000 members, is the biggest association within the Reichsbürger scene, whose supporters deny the legitimacy of Germany’s post-World War II Federal Republic.

This attitude leads some members to refuse demands made by legal authorities, such as fines and taxes. They have also been known to print their own passports and driver’s licenses.

Security authorities in Germany have paid increased attention to the movement in recent years amid fears of its violent potential.

Most notably, a plot to overthrow the German government was uncovered in late 2022. Its planners are said to have intended to raid the German parliament and arrest key politicians before installing an interim government.

Some 27 people were charged in connection with the plot, and 380 firearms were found. Three major trials on terrorism and conspiracy charges began in late April 2024.

The Tuesday raids took place in Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.

DW

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