So, like, Germany has totally been seeing this shift where, like, a bunch of young people—mostly young men—are vibing with far-right politics. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is, like, super popular with younger peeps now. And get this: a study called “Youth in Germany 2024” was all, like, omg young people under 30 are just not loving their lives right now. Economic stress? Check. Feeling left out? Check. So, some of them are turning to, like, more extreme political views.
So back in 1990 when Germany reunited, people in the East were, like, totally struggling with no jobs and stuff. And, shocker, that made some of them lean towards nationalist and far-right groups. Flash forward to today, and we’re kinda seeing the same thing, especially in the former East.
Why tho? Well, like, money problems are a big deal. Germany’s economy is chill overall, but young people are super stressed about, like, being broke when they’re old and how everything is crazy expensive. Then there’s all the talk about immigration and, like, what it means to be German. Some peeps feel like their culture is disappearing, and they’re looking at parties that are all about “protecting” it. Oh, and let’s not forget the internet—far-right groups are, like, owning TikTok and social media, making their message seem cool and rebellious. And honestly, some guys feel kinda ignored by mainstream politics, so they’re turning to people who, like, actually talk to them.
And it’s not just Germany freaking out. Like, this is totally a thing across Europe. In France, Marine Le Pen’s party is, like, super popular with under-34s now. Austria’s Freedom Party is also gaining traction with young voters. And in Poland? The far-right Confederation party is basically the top pick for 18- to 29-year-olds now. And, okay, it’s mostly guys, but some young women are kinda into it too.
If this keeps up, far-right politics could be a thing for, like, a long time. And democracy? Kinda at risk if things get too extreme. So, what’s the left doing about it? Well, they’re trying to fix some of the problems and, like, fix their brand image. More jobs, cheaper housing, and, like, making sure young people aren’t drowning in bills. Plus, they’re finally realizing they need to, like, be cooler on social media to compete with far-right influencers. Also, they’re working on making politics less boring and actually talking about national identity without going full-on nationalist.
Experts are, like, weighing in too. Kai Arzheimer, who is totally a big deal in political science, was like, “The far right appeals to young voters because of economic anxiety and cultural displacement.” And Florian Hartleb, an expert on European populism, basically said, “Social media is where it’s at, and the far right is totally winning there.”
So, yeah. Left-wing politicians need to step up their game with better policies, more online presence, and just, like, trying to make young people feel heard. But for now, looks like the right-wing is winning.
XOXO,
Valley Girl News
