In recent years, Germany has witnessed a notable rise in support for far-right political movements, particularly among young men. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), a party often criticized for its anti-immigrant rhetoric, has gained traction, especially in the lead-up to the national elections. This shift raises concerns about the implications for a nation still grappling with the legacy of its Nazi past.
A 19-year-old named Nick, who resides in Freiberg, Saxony, expressed his desire for a peaceful country free from fear, reflecting a sentiment shared by many young men in Germany. Alongside his friend Dominic, 30, Nick has become increasingly supportive of the AfD, which has been polling as the second most popular party in the country. Their primary concern revolves around immigration, particularly following a series of violent incidents involving asylum seekers, including a tragic stabbing in Aschaffenburg that claimed the lives of a toddler and a man. While they acknowledge the importance of integrating migrants who contribute positively to society, they are critical of those who exploit the asylum system.
Recent research highlights a significant gender disparity in support for the AfD, with 26% of German men expressing favorable views compared to just 11% of women. This trend is further emphasized by exit polls from the 2024 European Parliament elections, which indicated that 16% of voters under 24 chose the AfD, marking an 11-point increase from 2019. A study from the German Institute for Generational Research revealed that anxiety levels among young people are highest among those identifying as far-right, suggesting a correlation between rising anxiety and support for extremist views.
Dr. Rüdiger Maas from the Institute for Generational Research noted that left-leaning parties often focus on issues like feminism and equality, which may alienate many young men who feel underrepresented. This sentiment is echoed by Prof. Tarik Abou-Chadi, who pointed out that a significant percentage of young men across Europe are open to supporting far-right parties.
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have emerged as crucial spaces for the dissemination of far-right ideologies. The AfD has established a dominant presence on TikTok, outpacing other political parties in follower counts and engagement. Influencers like Celina Brychcy, who shares both lifestyle content and pro-AfD messages, have helped the party reach a younger audience, with a substantial portion of her followers being male and aged between 18 and 35.
The normalization of far-right politics in Germany is evident, with many young supporters rejecting the "far-right" label in favor of identifying as conservative or libertarian. This shift is concerning, especially as historical awareness of the Nazi era diminishes among younger generations. Reports of Holocaust denial and troubling historical perspectives among students highlight the challenges educators face in addressing these issues.
As the AfD continues to gain influence, its supporters express a desire for radical change, particularly regarding immigration, security, and national pride. The party’s recent embrace of the concept of "remigration," which implies mass deportations, underscores its commitment to strict immigration policies. Despite mainstream parties’ reluctance to collaborate with the AfD, the party’s growing acceptance within society suggests that its impact on German politics may only increase.
With the upcoming elections, the question remains: how will this shift in political alignment affect Germany’s future? As young men increasingly turn to the far-right, the implications for social cohesion and democratic values in the country are profound and warrant close attention.