World Bulletin / News Desk

Germany's Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere told reporters in Berlin that anti-foreigner attacks by the far right rose by 20.4% to 473, compared with 393 in 2012.

There was concern that a rise in political asylum applications was being exploited by far-right extremists, he said.

The domestic intelligence agency's annual report on domestic radicalism found a small drop in numbers of far-right extremists, from 22,150 to 21,700. The number of far-right extremists prepared to use violence remained stable at 9,600.

"It worries me greatly that the right-wing scene constantly tries to poison the atmosphere towards foreigners, by stoking fears and prejudices against asylum seekers," Mr de Maiziere said.

The success of a far-right party, the National Democratic Party (NPD), in electing a deputy to the European Parliament last month shocked many.

Meanwhile, the number of left-wing extremists fell slightly, from 29,700 to 28,500.