According to Thuringia's President for the Protection of the Constitution, Stephan Kramer, there could be mass protests and riots in autumn and winter.

The energy crisis could cause a “highly emotional and existential crisis situation” that would affect large parts of the population, Kramer told the news portal heute.de on Wednesday.

"In contrast, what we have experienced so far in the corona pandemic in the form of violent clashes on social networks, but also on the streets and squares, was probably more of a children's birthday party."

target of an overthrow

One has to assume that “legitimate protests” by the population would be infiltrated by extremists.

Therefore, concrete acts of violence against things and people are also conceivable, as well as classic terrorism with the aim of overthrowing it.

"In my opinion, the trust of the population in the state institutions and authorities will be decisive for maintaining social peace and for overcoming this crisis together," said Kramer.

Brandenburg's head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Jörg Müller, made a similar statement.

He warned that extremists could exploit the energy crisis and high inflation for their own purposes.

"Extremists dream of a German rage winter," he said.

Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had also expressed concern last month.

"Of course there is a danger that those who already shouted their contempt for democracy during the Corona period and were often traveling side by side with right-wing extremists will try to misuse the sharply rising prices as a new mobilization topic," said the SPD Politician.