A meeting of the Reichsbürger movement, a group of German citizens who deny the legitimacy of the post-war German state, took place in Traunstein on March 22nd, 2025. The event, advertised on Telegram, featured a speaker known as "Niklas Heimatliebe" who promoted the idea that the German Kaiserreich never ended.
The Reichsbürger movement is characterized by its diverse beliefs, ranging from claims that Germany is still occupied to the assertion that the Federal Republic is a private company. Common themes include historical revisionism, antisemitism, and völkischer nationalism. The article highlights the heterogeneity of the group, making a singular definition difficult.
The movement is growing, with an estimated 38% increase since 2019. Bavaria, and specifically the Traunstein area, has a significant concentration of Reichsbürger. The movement's violent tendencies are highlighted, citing a police officer's murder in 2016 and a substantial rise in extremist-motivated crimes attributed to Reichsbürger.
Authorities, including the Bavarian Verfassungsschutz (domestic intelligence agency) and police, are monitoring the Reichsbürger movement closely. The article mentions the dismissal of a police training officer in Ainring for involvement with the group and the arrest of individuals involved in a suspected coup attempt.
The Reichsbürger are increasingly engaging in public demonstrations, including a large gathering in Munich. The article emphasizes the potential for radicalization and the serious threat this movement poses due to its high potential for violence.