Young election participants displaying no apprehension towards physical contact within the AfD party.
Among the youth demographic, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) stands out as the dominant force in both Thuringia and Saxony. Chiefly, its potent presence on social media platforms contributes significantly to the mainstream acceptance of this party.
According to a social scientist expert, the AfD's appeal among young voters is a reflection of its normalization. Dr. Rüdiger Maas, a generational researcher, explains that young people view the AfD as less extremist in nature. Many self-identified centrists among the youth support the AfD, as per Maas's recent study on the topic.
The traditional left-right party landscape is diminishing in relevance for the younger generation. Maas points out that as a result, these supposedly 'extremist' parties fail to be relegated to the extremes. Moreover, there's a substantial tolerance towards AfD sympathizers among young people in their social circles. Many young individuals express, "The far-right aren't harmful; they don't impact us directly." This perceived danger seems primarily overestimated by the older generation.
In the 2021 state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, the AfD secured the largest share of votes among young voters with considerable leads. In Thuringia, 36% of the 18-29 age group voted for the AfD, a 11% increase compared to 2019. The CDU and The Left followed closely with 13% each. In Saxony, the AfD received 30% of the votes from the 18-29 age group, a 9% increase compared to five years ago. The CDU came in second with 15%.
AfD faces an unjustified disadvantage
Maas anticipates a similar trend in the upcoming state elections in Brandenburg. The AfD's popularity among the youth and the party's mainstream acceptance are primarily attributed to social media usage. "AfD-related topics resonate more on social media than those from the SPD or CDU," explains Maas. Furthermore, the party has amassed influential personalities with extensive reach.
Young social media users often perceive the AfD as a party that faces an unfair disadvantage by others. "The corrective to this perception is minimal," says Maas. A lack of practical coalition options in the states is not a deterrent for many youth voters, as they do not notice it on social media. Other parties can compete if they invest heavily in advertisements and employ prominent personalities on social media platforms, according to Maas.
However, Maas also warns regarding Brandenburg, "Never underestimate the power of viral topics." The infamous footage of Armin Laschet laughing after the Ahr Valley disaster in 2021 is a prime example, often cited as a factor contributing to his later defeat as the CDU's chancellor candidate in the 2021 federal election.
The Elections to the Landtag of Thuringia saw a significant shift in political allegiances among young voters, with the AfD securing the largest share of votes in this age group. This trend is expected to continue in the upcoming state elections in Brandenburg, as the AfD's mainstream acceptance and strong presence on social media continue to resonate with young voters.
