Politically motivated crime in Germany reached an all-time high in 2025, with at least 85,000 offenses recorded across 15 federal states, according to a report by Welt am Sonntag. This marks an increase from 84,174 in 2024 and more than double the number from a decade ago.

More than half of all offenses were classified as right-wing extremism, while left-wing extremist crimes surged by 35% to over 13,000 cases. Violent crimes, including assault, arson, and explosives offenses, exceeded 4,100. Police attributed the rise to the polarized German elections and conflicts in the Middle East.

In sports, the German women's national football team qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil with a 2-0 win over Norway. Debutant Marie Müller and Carlotta Wamser scored the goals. The team leads Group A4 with 13 points and cannot be knocked out of the top spot.

However, the men's team suffered a blow as teenage midfielder Lennart Karl was ruled out of the World Cup due to a muscle bundle tear in his left thigh sustained during training in Chicago. The 18-year-old Bayern Munich star will be replaced by Assan Ouedraogo.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, on a two-day visit to Mexico, pledged closer cooperation to combat organized crime and drug cartels, citing a significant rise in drug use in Europe. He also announced Germany's bids for non-permanent UN Security Council seats in 2035-36 and 2043-44, following a recent defeat.

The report highlights growing societal tensions in Germany, with politically motivated violence on the rise. The government faces challenges in addressing extremism from both ends of the political spectrum while also grappling with international security concerns.

Source: www.dw.com