BERLIN – In a decisive move against a dangerous extremist faction, the German government has outlawed the most significant “Reich citizen” group known as the “Kingdom of Germany.” This far-right organization actively challenges the democratic framework of the nation and, in a coordinated operation, authorities have detained four of its leading figures.
Early on Tuesday, an extensive police effort swung into action, involving 800 officers who conducted raids on various properties and homes associated with the group’s leaders scattered across multiple states.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt commented on the severity of the group’s activities, stating, “The members of this association have set up a ‘counter-state’ within our nation and have constructed economic criminal networks.” Dobrindt emphasized that this group’s power aspirations are deeply rooted in antisemitic conspiracy ideas, a stance that Germany resolutely refuses to accept. “We will take decisive action against those who attack our free democratic basic order,” he declared.
The Reichsbürger movement, from which this group emerged, does not acknowledge the legitimacy of the current German state. Many adherents assert that the old German Reich still exists, dismissing modern democratic and constitutional structures such as parliament, laws, or judicial systems. Their defiance extends to refusing to fulfill financial obligations like taxes and social dues.
Peter Fitzek, the group’s proclaimed leader, who was among those taken into custody on Tuesday, announced the creation of the “Kingdom of Germany” in Wittenberg in 2012. Although the group’s size is claimed by adherents to be about 6,000 strong, the Interior Ministry estimates its membership at closer to 1,000. This faction positions itself as a secessionist “counter-state” opposing the federal government.
“It’s important to realize that this isn’t about harmless nostalgics, as the association’s name might misleadingly suggest. Instead, it concerns criminal structures and networks,” Minister Dobrindt told the press in Berlin. The organization’s digital presence will be dismantled, and their financial assets seized to prevent them from fueling extremist endeavors.
Germany has historically taken firm stands against the Reichsbürger movement. In 2023, authorities conducted raids on the homes of around 20 individuals linked to investigations into this far-right scene, which bears resemblance to the QAnon movement in the United States.
A year prior, the trial of alleged leaders suspected of orchestrating a far-right conspiracy to overthrow the German government commenced. This case, revealing alarming plots against the state, captured national attention late in 2022.