On a damp evening in Suhl, a small town in former East Germany, a diverse crowd gathered to hear from one of the most polarizing figures in German politics—Björn Höcke, a key leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Among the audience, a notable presence of young faces highlighted a growing trend: the increasing support for the AfD among Germany’s youth.
Höcke, a former history teacher with a controversial track record, has been criticized for using Nazi-era rhetoric and is considered extreme even within his party. Yet, for many young supporters, he is an inspiration. Speaking to reporters, he acknowledged his appeal, saying, “If they see a bit of a pop star in me, then that’s fine, because the youth also need idols like that.”
The AfD has transformed from a regional force to a growing national presence. The party’s win in Thuringia last year marked the first electoral success of a far-right party since World War II. Recent polling suggests the trend is not slowing down. The European elections saw an 18% increase in support for the AfD among voters aged 16 to 34, a signal that youth backing could push the party into second place nationwide.
Youth Attraction to the AfD
The party’s youth wing, the Young Alternatives, has also played a crucial role in mobilizing younger voters. Despite being classified as an extremist group by German intelligence, members remain undeterred. Eric Engelhardt, a 23-year-old leader of the group in Thuringia, insists the classification is politically motivated. He remains committed to expanding the party’s influence, spending his time campaigning and distributing materials in his hometown.
Dante Reidel, a 26-year-old student and self-identified nationalist, expressed admiration for Höcke’s straightforward style. “It’s also about personalities… people who embody certain values,” he said, emphasizing traditional virtues such as discipline and national pride. Many young supporters share similar sentiments, believing that the AfD represents their frustrations with Germany’s political direction.
Migration at the Heart of the Debate
One of the primary reasons for the AfD’s growing youth support is its stance on migration. Engelhardt echoed the party’s core message: “Migration is the mother of all crises.” He blamed rising crime and economic issues on what he described as “uncontrolled mass immigration.”
Recent violent incidents involving migrants have intensified the debate. In Munich, a car driven by an Afghan migrant plowed through a peaceful protest, killing two people. Other attacks in Aschaffenburg and Magdeburg further fueled concerns about security and integration. In response, the AfD has advocated for “remigration”—a term often linked to extreme nationalist ideologies—arguing for tighter immigration controls.
While party leaders claim their policies are about maintaining order rather than mass deportation, figures like Alice Weidel have made it clear they would immediately begin expelling undocumented migrants if elected.
A Changing Political Landscape
Despite controversies and extremist ties, the AfD continues to attract young supporters. Many believe the party offers an alternative to mainstream politics, which they view as ineffective in addressing their concerns.
Engelhardt is confident that youth support will shape Germany’s future. “Something has changed,” he said. “The fact that many young people want to vote for the AfD means we also have a future.”
As Germany heads toward upcoming elections, the growing influence of the far-right among the younger generation signals a shift in the country’s political landscape—one that could have lasting consequences.
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