The Rise of the Far Right: Why Young German Men Are Drawn to the AfD

A Growing Fear and a Search for Security

In the quiet town of Freiberg, Saxony, amidst a cold February night, 19-year-old Nick expresses a sentiment echoed by many young German men: a yearning for a country free from fear. He and his friend Dominic, 30, find themselves drawn to Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), a far-right party gaining traction in Germany.

Fueling their anxieties are high-profile attacks involving asylum seekers, like the tragic stabbing in Aschaffenburg. While not opposed to all immigration, they see it as a primary concern, a stance they feel is unfairly labeled as extremist.

“The people who integrate, who learn, who study here, do their work - I have no problems with them,” Dominic clarifies, criticizing those he perceives as exploiting the system. “But these days such statements are seen as hostile,” he adds, lamenting the swift accusations of Nazism that follow.

A Generational Shift in Political Allegiance

Recent Pew research reveals a stark gender divide: 26% of German men view the AfD positively, compared to just 11% of women. This gap has widened considerably since 2022. Exit polls from the 2024 European Parliament elections show a surge in AfD support among young voters, particularly men.

This trend coincides with rising anxiety among young people, according to the German Institute for Generational Research. While women express concern over rights and minorities, men tend to prioritize conservative values, creating a fertile ground for right-wing ideologies.

Dr. Rüdiger Maas from the Institute for Generational Research observes, "Overall, men don't see themselves in [left-wing] themes… That is why they have a tendency to vote further right."

The Power of Social Media and the Rise of Influencers

Social media platforms like TikTok have become powerful tools for bypassing traditional media, allowing the AfD to connect directly with young audiences. The party boasts a significantly larger TikTok following than its mainstream rivals.

Mauritius Dorn of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue notes the AfD's dominance on TikTok, amplified by a network of unofficial fan accounts. His research reveals that right-leaning users are disproportionately exposed to AfD content.

One such influencer is 25-year-old Celina Brychcy, who blends lifestyle content with pro-AfD messaging. She champions causes like mandatory military service, support for stay-at-home mothers, and stricter border controls, denying accusations of racism while emphasizing the importance of integration.

A Normalization of the Far Right?

As the horrors of Nazi Germany recede from living memory, a new generation has grown up with the AfD as a fixture in the political landscape. This normalization, argues Professor Tarik Abou-Chadi of the University of Oxford, has blunted the perception of the party's extremism.

Despite scandals involving Nazi slogans and official classifications as right-wing extremists, the AfD's influence continues to grow. In Saxony, where right-wing extremism is on the rise, we encountered young men who echoed the party’s rhetoric, questioning historical narratives and expressing fear of a threatened German "race."

The Future of German Politics

The AfD's increasing appeal among young men poses a significant challenge to German democracy. Their support extends beyond a protest vote; many genuinely believe the party can usher in radical change. While other parties currently refuse coalition, the AfD's growing power could reshape the political landscape.

Professor Abou-Chadi warns, “As soon as the more mainstream parties start giving up the 'firewall'... the far right will start cannibalising the right. It's very likely that, in many or most European countries, the far-right parties will be the main party on the right – or already are.”