Young Men in Germany Turn to Far-Right Politics Amidst Fear and Uncertainty

In Germany, a significant rise in young men siding with the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) reflects growing fears about immigration and socio-economic stability.

As Germany braces for its national elections, more young men are gravitating towards the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), largely fueled by anxiety over immigration and safety. A 19-year-old, Nick, shared his desire for a country free from fear, echoing sentiments prevalent among his peers.

In Freiberg, Saxony, Nick and his friend Dominic, a 30-year-old, view immigration as a pressing concern, particularly following a series of violent incidents allegedly involving asylum seekers. They differentiate between supportive and exploitative immigration while feeling that their cautious views are often misrepresented as hostile due to Germany’s historical context.

The AfD has gained traction, maintaining second place in polls, partly aided by high-profile endorsements, including from tech billionaire Elon Musk. As the country heads towards elections, the stark difference in political views between young men and women is evident; Pew Research in 2024 revealed that 26% of German men harbor favorable views toward the AfD, compared to only 11% of women.

The AfD’s engagement with younger demographics is pronounced, with a marked increase in support from those under 24 during the latest European Parliament elections. Recent studies underline the heightened anxiety felt among many young people, particularly those aligning with the far-right. Meanwhile, social media plays a pivotal role, allowing groups like the AfD to communicate their message directly to potential supporters, bypassing traditional media.

TikTok emerges as a powerful platform for the AfD, with a large following that surpasses other political entities in Germany, driven not only by official accounts but also by numerous unofficial fan pages spreading pro-AfD content. Content creators like Celina Brychcy have amassed substantial audiences and are vocal about their political beliefs, despite experiencing personal backlash.

The growing support for the AfD is partly attributed to a rejection of progressive dialogue surrounding issues such as gender identity, where traditional values are increasingly championed. Conversations among younger supporters reflect a desire for national pride and conservative moral standards, which many feel are undermined by contemporary societal changes.

With the remnants of Nazi history fading from living memory, normalization of far-right beliefs throughout Europe raises eyebrows. The AfD’s attempts to rebrand itself as a conservative, libertarian force resonate with many who perceive their traditional values under threat. Concerns voiced by some younger Germans around historical narratives suggest a growing skepticism toward accepted accounts of the country's past.

Today’s youth express varied opinions on essential issues such as immigration, identity, and gender roles, drawing lines between traditional belief systems and modern societal changes. As the AfD aims to become a leading force, the broader implications for German politics shaping the future could be profound if this trend continues among younger voters. The ongoing evolution of political loyalties highlights a significant shift that not only reflects personal beliefs but also underlines a pressing need for contemporary discourse on national identity and representation in Germany.