Why More Young Men in Germany Are Turning to the Far Right

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Why More Young Men in Germany Are Turning to the Far Right

In Germany, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has been gaining significant support, especially among young men. This shift is driven by concerns over issues like immigration, security, and traditional values, with many young people feeling uneasy about the country’s cultural changes.

Nick, a 19-year-old from Freiberg, Saxony, is one such supporter. He explains that he wants to live in a country where he doesn’t have to fear for his safety, something he believes was more common in the past. For Nick and his friends, immigration, particularly the involvement of asylum seekers in attacks, is a major issue. While they don’t oppose all forms of immigration, they are critical of those who abuse the asylum system. “The people who integrate, learn, and work here are fine,” Dominic, Nick’s friend, says. “But today, if you say something like that, you’re often labeled a Nazi due to Germany’s past.”

The AfD has steadily grown in influence, now polling as the second most popular party in Germany. In the 2024 European elections, 26% of men supported the AfD, compared to just 11% of women, with young people under 24 increasingly backing the party. This rise in support comes amid growing anxiety among young Germans, particularly about job security, immigration, and social issues. A recent study revealed that young men, especially those who identify with the far-right, are particularly anxious about the future.

Social media plays a significant role in spreading AfD’s message. Platforms like TikTok have allowed the party to bypass traditional media, which many of its supporters view as biased. The AfD has an active presence on TikTok, where it dominates compared to other political parties, using both official and unofficial accounts to spread content. Influencers like Celina Brychcy, a 25-year-old TikTok personality, are helping promote the party’s ideas to a younger audience. While Celina says she doesn’t earn money from promoting AfD, she shares its message, supporting stricter immigration controls, military service, and a return to traditional gender roles.

Many AfD supporters reject the “far-right” label, including party leader Alice Weidel, who frames the party as conservative and libertarian rather than extreme. This normalization of the far-right movement is happening at a time when memories of Nazi Germany are fading, with younger generations growing up in a political climate where parties like the AfD are becoming more mainstream.

Experts believe this shift is part of a wider trend across Europe, where far-right parties are gaining ground among young men. In countries like France, Austria, and Italy, similar movements have also been successful. Dr. Rüdiger Maas, from the Institute for Generational Research, suggests that young men, in particular, feel disconnected from political discussions focused on issues like feminism and gender equality. As a result, many are turning to parties that promise to protect conservative values and offer a different vision of society.

Despite the AfD’s growing popularity, there is still resistance to it. Other political parties in Germany have refused to form coalitions with the AfD, and the party is even classified as right-wing extremist in some regions. Still, its influence continues to rise, and as the upcoming national election looms, it remains to be seen whether the AfD’s appeal among young voters will result in long-term political change.

As the far-right movement gains momentum, it raises important questions about the future of German politics and the role of younger generations in shaping the country’s direction. Will the AfD continue to rise, or will Germany’s traditional political forces push back against this growing trend? The outcome could have lasting implications, not only for Germany but for Europe as a whole.