Autonomists
Autonomists represent the largest faction among left-wing extremists inclined toward violence. Their presence is most prominent in large urban centers and university towns, where localized scenes typically emerge. These scenes often revolve around a central gathering place, from which networks of individuals, small groups, and branches of broader national or interregional organizations develop. The most active autonomist communities are found in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Leipzig.
Autonomists reject any form of external authority. They view all systems of governance as inherently oppressive and believe such structures should be replaced with a non-hierarchical, domination-free society.
In pursuit of their ideals, autonomists create and inhabit “free spaces” where they attempt to live according to alternative social models. These areas are intentionally insulated from conventional authority figures, particularly law enforcement, whose presence is often seen as a direct threat—and may provoke violent responses.
The broader autonomist objective is to undermine what they perceive as the capitalist societal system. Through grassroots actions and decentralized resistance, they aim to weaken the effectiveness of state institutions incrementally, with the ultimate goal of rendering the state obsolete.
High threat level
In left-wing extremism, there is a high threat level both in terms of criminal and violent offences and in terms of its following.
Alongside the high frequency of violent incidents, there is also a noticeable shift in both the nature and intensity of such acts. Traditional confrontations during protests, such as clashes and the formation of “black blocs,” are becoming less central. Instead, targeted and calculated acts of violence against individuals and property increasingly occur on the periphery of demonstrations. Under the banner of “anti-fascism,” tightly organized cells carry out direct and often brutal assaults on political adversaries, aiming to establish what they call “Nazi-free zones.”
Ideologies such as “anti-gentrification” and “anti-repression” are similarly invoked to rationalize aggressive actions, including assaults on police officers, elected officials, and business owners. Additionally, acts of arson—targeting vehicles, construction machinery, and buildings—have resulted in significant property damage and financial loss.
