In a significant move against far-right extremism, German authorities have arrested Peter Fitzek, a 59-year-old self-declared monarch, and banned his extremist group, the “Kingdom of Germany” (Königreich Deutschland, KRD). The group, a prominent faction of the Reichsbürger movement, rejects the legitimacy of the modern German state and seeks to establish a parallel government.
Background of Peter Fitzek
Peter Fitzek, a former chef and karate instructor, founded the KRD in 2012, proclaiming himself “King Peter I.” Operating primarily from Halsbrücke, Saxony, Fitzek amassed significant assets, including real estate and financial resources. The group issued its own currency, health insurance, and identification documents, effectively creating a shadow state within Germany. Fitzek claimed to have thousands of followers, though government estimates suggest around 1,000 members. Authorities allege that the group engaged in illegal banking and insurance operations, forming a criminal organization.
Government Crackdown
On May 13, 2025, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the dissolution of the KRD, describing it as a criminal network promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories and aiming to destabilize Germany’s constitutional order. Approximately 800 officers conducted raids across seven states, leading to the arrest of Fitzek and three associates. The government also seized the group’s assets and blocked its online presence.
Reichsbürger Movement
The Reichsbürger movement comprises various groups and individuals who reject the legitimacy of the modern German state, favoring the restoration of the German Reich in its pre-World War II or pre-World War I borders. Adherents often espouse antisemitic views and engage in criminal activities. The movement has been under surveillance by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency since 2016. In December 2022, authorities arrested 25 individuals associated with a similar faction planning a coup d’état.
Implications
The ban on the KRD underscores Germany’s commitment to safeguarding its democratic institutions against extremist threats. It also highlights the government’s proactive stance in addressing the growing concerns over far-right extremism and its potential to undermine the rule of law. The recent actions against the KRD and the broader Reichsbürger movement reflect a concerted effort to dismantle networks that challenge the legitimacy of the German state.
As investigations continue, German authorities remain vigilant in monitoring and countering extremist activities to ensure the preservation of democratic values and the rule of law.
