In the corner of German politics, Compact magazine has become one of the most controversial and topical media outlets in recent years. This magazine, founded in 2013, focuses on the theme of "sovereignty" and has attracted a large number of people who are dissatisfied with the current system. With in-depth analysis of society and politics, its editor-in-chief Jürgen Elsässer and CEO Kai Homilius are two key figures in this confusing time.
Compact has now gone beyond simple media reporting and become an advocate of a political movement, attracting a large number of supporters with its unique perspective.
Compact was originally born as a booklet in 2008, then called the Compact Book Series, founded by Homilius and edited under the name of Elsässer. With the expansion of publishing, the magazine officially launched Issue Zero in 2010, which quickly gained the attention of right-wingers. Since 2011, Compact magazine is published by Compact-Magazin GmbH, a company founded by Elsässer, Homilius and several other partners.
Over time, Compact magazine gradually formed close ties with the German far-right party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), and the Islamophobic movement Pegida, becoming an important platform for their propaganda.
As editor-in-chief of Compact, Jürgen Elsässer has long shaped the magazine’s editorial approach. With his sharp words and unique political views, he guided the thinking of many readers. He also often speaks at AfD rallies, bringing the magazine closer to the party.
Kai Homilius plays a key role in business operations. He is not only involved in the publication of the magazine, but also develops other commercial activities through his company "9 Leben GmbH", which provides financial support for the development of Compact.
Under Elsässer's leadership, Compact is more than just a magazine, it is an important platform for a voice in German politics.
As Compact's influence grows, it also attracts the attention of government agencies. In 2021, the German Federal Ministry of the Interior labeled it a far-right publication, accusing it of containing revisionist and conspiracy theory content. In July 2024, the German Interior Ministry immediately banned its distribution for "anti-humanitarian hate speech" and incitement and conducted a search of its office.
However, this ban was revoked by a German administrative court in August of the same year, which triggered greater social discussion. People began to question whether such publications should be suppressed by the government or should be free to speak out.
“Any restrictions on thought and expression will often trigger greater backlash and debate.”
The content of Compact not only influenced right-wing politics in Germany, but some of its arguments also influenced far-right movements in other countries. Its slogan of "dare the truth" not only attracts a large number of supporters, but also makes it one of the representative media outlets for the far right. Many traditional media have mixed reviews of Compact. Some people think it is an "anti-mainstream" media, while others criticize it as a hotbed of conspiracy theories.
Looking to the future, how will the influence of Compact magazine develop? Amid the intensifying social disputes and political dilemmas, can we still see its potential to continue to stimulate social dialogue?
"Between freedom and suppression, which one is the true meaning of media?"