The German Federal Government attributes at least 13 acts of sabotage to left-wing extremist “Vulkangruppen” (Volcano Groups) since 2011, according to a response from the Federal Interior Ministry to a written inquiry by AfD Member of Parliament Sebastian Münzenmaier, reported by “Welt”. These attacks have targeted critical infrastructure including rail networks, energy facilities, telecommunications systems and industrial companies, primarily in the Berlin and Brandenburg region.
The most recent incident, occurring in early January 2026, saw a “Vulkangruppe” claim responsibility for an arson attack on electrical infrastructure in southwestern Berlin. The resulting outage left up to 100,000 residents without power, marking the most significant blackout in Berlin since World War II. The severity of the situation has prompted the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office to assume responsibility for the investigation.
In its formal reply, the government underscores the persistent threat to Germany’s critical infrastructure. Energy supply and public transportation are identified as particularly vulnerable, given their “inherent vulnerabilities” and the potential for massive damage. These sectors are, according to the government, specifically targeted by perpetrators motivated by left-wing extremism.
The response has drawn criticism from AfD parliamentarian Münzenmaier, who alleges the government has been slow to recognize and address the gravity of the threat posed by violent left-wing extremism, condemning what he describes as a reliance on “verbal announcements” rather than concrete action. He advocates for increased investigative pressure and surveillance on groups such as the Vulkangruppen, signaling a push for more aggressive counter-measures within the Bundestag. The incident raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current security protocols and the government’s ability to safeguard vital national assets against increasingly sophisticated extremist tactics.
