Young voters and the AfD: What really drives them?

Young voters and the AfD: What really drives them?

Current surveys and elections show that the alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained in the past few years, especially among young voters. This development raises many questions, especially with regard to the various factors that contribute to this voter migration. In her upcoming event, Sally Lisa, which takes place on Monday, May 5th, takes place in the Wasserburg cattle, illuminates the motives behind the AfD's decision. Strong spoke to AfD voters from all over Germany to understand what motivates these people and what hopes they combine with the party. She also describes where democratic forces have lost the connection and has linked personal experiences with the views of the voters that they analyze with experts.

At the event, which takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and costs 18 euros in entry (reduced 15 euros), an online registration is required. Also strongly emphasizes that the protection of the constitution classifies the AfD as secure right -wing extremist, which raises the question of how this perception affects the voter base, especially the younger generation.

AfD and young voters

The AfD's election analysis in Thuringia is particularly striking, where the party has become the strongest force in the 2024 state elections. Among young voters between the ages of 18 and 29, the AfD received 35 percent of the votes in Thuringia, which represents an increase of ten percentage points compared to 2019. In Saxony, 29 percent of young voters chose the AfD, which shows an increase of eight percentage points compared to the previous elections. These developments were called "normalization of the party" by Rüdiger Maas, a scientist at the Augsburg Institute for Generation Research. The younger electorate no longer receives the political spectrum than classic and sees extreme parties than less extreme.

Another interesting aspect is the strong online presence of the AfD, especially on social media platforms such as Tiktok, which is used by 52 percent of young voters as the main source of information. Here they feel supported by influencers in their political views. In addition, 70 percent of young AfD voters believe that the government is working against them. In addition to topics such as poverty in old age and rising rental prices, you have the feeling that you are not sufficiently taken into account by the political landscape.

The role of the media

The AfD and similar right -wing populist parties are not isolated. An investigation shows that other parties, including the SPD and CDU, have taken up certain AfD topics, which contributes to further confirmation of the AfD voters. Digitization also helps to use extremist groups to use social media in order to spread distorted representations and to fuel distrust of traditional media. This has led to the creation of echo chambers in social networks that favor more extreme political attitudes.

A look at the online discourses shows that they often do not correspond to the generally recognized polite standards. Experience with hate speech is widespread; Statistically speaking, 21 percent of Facebook users have already experienced negative comments, and 42 percent of German journalists reported attacks. Negative comments can influence the perception of journalistic quality and contribute to social polarization.

In this context, the influence of the AfD on public discussion in the next state elections, especially in Brandenburg, is eagerly awaited. Political scientist Lembcke describes the election sequence of the AfD as more than just a choice of protest and sees a serious phenomenon in the increasing votes of votes among young voters that could have far -reaching effects on the political landscape of Germany.

In order to better understand these developments, strong, to what extent democratic forces have to adapt their approaches to gain a foothold in the younger voter. The social examination of the AfD and its voters is now like ever before.