By Anadolu staff
BERLIN (AA) - Germany's military has dismissed 97 soldiers during the past year for right-wing extremist activities amid the country's struggle with increasing incidents of far-right behavior in its armed forces.
According to a Defense Ministry report disclosed on Tuesday, authorities documented 280 incidents of right-wing extremist, racist or antisemitic behavior in the German military during 2024 -- a significant increase from 205 cases in 2023. These included Hitler salutes, racist statements, and the singing of far-right songs.
Left Party politician Zada Salihovic told public broadcaster WDR that the rising number of right-wing extremist incidents is alarming.
"In some cases, the accused continued to have access to weapons or even acted as trainers and superiors. Greater efforts are needed in view of the danger posed by militarily trained right-wing extremists," she said, adding that individuals who reject democratic principles should not be permitted to serve in uniform or have access to weapons.
A Defense Ministry spokesperson acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, saying that every case of extremism is one too many and cannot be tolerated.
"Right-wing extremism is one of the greatest threats to democracy. Combating extremism in the Bundeswehr remains our highest priority," the spokesperson told the public broadcaster.
Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, currently maintains approximately 180,000 active military personnel alongside 80,000 civilian employees.