The recent success of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in last September’s elections has raised deep concerns among Germans, especially the younger generation. For the first time since World War II, a far-right party won a state election, securing victory in Thuringia and placing second in Brandenburg and Saxony.

In fact, it is the strongest party in eastern Germany, where it amassed 27% of the vote, compared to only 13% in the west, according to a report from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.

Founded in 2013, AfD has grown from a populist party with conservative and nationalist tendencies to a significant far-right force. Support for the party has steadily increased, rising 6% since 2016. While only 5% of young voters backed the AfD in the 2019 EU elections, this number rose to 16% in 2024, with men (19%) voting for the party more than women (12%).

The most recent elections, which for the first time included 16- and 17-year-olds, marked a turning point for Germany. Many young people are still grappling with the implications of this political shift.

“To be honest, I am very worried,” Linda Lodd, 20, from Berlin told Harbingers’ Magazine.

Her concerns are echoed by Zoe Khulan, 19, also from Berlin. “I’m scared of what they [AfD] do and I don’t think you can assess them,” she said.

Others, like Philipp Blume, 21, remain indifferent. “I don’t have an opinion on the topic of politics,” he said, noting also a feeling of personal disempowerment. “As an individual, I don’t feel I have an influence on what happens in the world.”

Understanding AfD’s appeal

While the students find it hard to morally justify the rise of AfD, they can acknowledge the rational factors driving voter support. They believe that widespread dissatisfaction with mainstream politics is fuelling the shift.

“Middle parties are losing approval,” Linda explained. “Partly out of defiance, as well as increasing dissatisfaction, the votes of the AfD are rising.”

Linda pointed to growing frustration over issues such as migration, bureaucratic inefficiency, inflation, and high cost of living. “The current coalition cannot seem to agree on anything,” she added, a sentiment shared by others in her age group.

Zoe highlighted the disconnect between the voters and the current political parties. “People feel there is no party that represents them anymore, and are disappointed.”

Migration and safety concerns

The students unanimously agree that migration will become a dominant issue as the AfD gains more influence. Philipp fears that AfD might take extreme measures such as forcing many migrants to leave Germany. “I hope it won’t get this far,” he said.

Zoe shared some personal experiences that she thinks drive some voters toward the anti-immigration policies. “When I walk out wearing a short skirt and I get catcalled, the majority of the people doing it are not German,” she said. “It’s becoming more dangerous and I think many young people, especially girls, are scared.”

Linda added that an AfD-led government would likely neglect critical issues such as climate change. “A party without humanitarian values would definitely influence the future of Gen Z,” she warned.

Role of social media

The students also pointed to social media as a critical factor in the AfD’s rise, particularly among Gen Z. “Far-right messages are more visible on Instagram and TikTok,” Zoe observed. “They use emotionally appealing content to reach millions.”

Linda mentioned that the lack of media literacy among young people amplifies the issue. “Fake news can be spread easily,” agreed Philipp with Linda. “Short, sometimes AI-generated videos can be misleading, especially when algorithms create echo chambers,” added Linda.

She also noted the negative portrayal of foreigners in the media. “Even in reliable media, the term ‘foreigners’ is used with negative connotations,” Linda said. “This reinforces prejudice and fosters a sense of belonging in AfD supporters.”

Meanwhile, the mainstream parties like the centre-left SPD or the left-leaning Greens, failed to match AfD’s online presence, leaving them at a disadvantage. “They didn’t use social media as an electoral strategy and received less attention,” concluded Linda.

With snap elections scheduled for 23 February 2025, young Germans remain divided as the nation grapples with its political and societal future.