In 2012, the self-proclaimed “Kingdom of Germany” was established in Wittenberg, a city in eastern Germany. The group gained attention for operating unauthorized financial institutions and defying national laws, promoting instead its own alternative legal system. At its helm was Peter Fitzek, who declared himself “King Peter I,” naming two deputies and a finance minister to support his self-styled monarchy.
The group has now been officially banned, following increased scrutiny of Germany’s so-called Reichsbürger (“Citizens of the Reich”) movement—a loose network of individuals and organizations that reject the legitimacy of the modern German state. Many adherents claim the German Reich never ceased to exist and argue that Germany remains under Allied occupation. The movement came under wider public attention after a foiled coup plot in 2022 involving another Reichsbürger faction.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency estimates that around 25,000 people are currently involved with Reichsbürger groups across the country.
Under German law, organizations, including political parties, that are found to violate or oppose the constitutional democratic order can be outlawed.
The recent ban also comes as mainstream German politicians debate the possibility of banning the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has grown to become the largest opposition force in the national parliament. However, attempts to ban a political party face significant legal hurdles, and critics warn that such a move could unintentionally boost the AfD’s political support.
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