Scholz warns that 'neo-Nazis and their dark networks' are on the rise

Chancellor Scholz issues stark warning Photo: NADJA WOLLEBEN/REUTERS

Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned of rising anti-Semitism and «dark methods of neo-Nazis» in speech commemorating the liberation of Auschwitz 79 years ago.

He said on Saturday, referring to increased extremist activity in Germany: “There are new reports all the time: about neo-Nazis and their dark networks. At the same time, right-wing populists are gaining strength, stoking fear and sowing hatred. “Never Again” — every day — January 27 calls to us:

“Be visible! Stay tuned! Against anti-Semitism, against racism, against misanthropy and for our democracy.”

Every year in Germany since 1996, January 27 is observed as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day of remembrance for the six million Jews who were killed by the Nazis.

Mr Scholz's statement came after tens of thousands Germans took to the streets last week to protest against the AfD (Alternative for Germany) party, whose ratings are rising despite increased attention. regarding the extremist views of some of its members.

Anti-AfD demonstration in Düsseldorf Photo: THILO SCHMUELGEN/REUTERS

Earlier this month, Correctiv, a German investigative journalism group, reported that senior members of the AfD, including an assistant to co-chair Alice Weidel, had recently attended a secret meeting with neo-Nazis and others extremists, at which the mass deportation of immigrants from Germany was discussed.

Ms Weidel has since split with the aide and insists the meeting was not an official AfD event. Also present at the same meeting was Identitarian figure Martin Sellner, an Austrian who is banned from entering the UK for his extremist views.

Current polls show the AfD in second place nationally and in first place. seat in three East German states that will hold elections later this year. The surge in popularity is partly due to growing tensions in Germany over mass migration, as well as last month's budget crisis and dissatisfaction with Mr Scholz's often divided coalition government.

Mr Scholz also said:  «It's the cohesion of the Democrats. what makes our democracy strong. It's nice to have the confidence to show that publicly — as it is now -.» And he welcomed a major court decision in Germany earlier this week to ban public funding for the radical right-wing party Die Heimat. The move could have consequences for other controversial right-wing parties that receive public funds, such as the AfD.