A recent study has shown a significant increase in the popularity of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) among young people in Germany. According to the study, 22% of individuals aged 14 to 29 would now vote for the AfD, compared to only 9% two years ago. This rise in popularity is largely attributed to the perceived weakness of other political parties in the country, as noted by trend and future researcher Tristan Horx. The Green Party politician Kai Gehring expressed concern over these findings, suggesting that a shift may be imminent if steps are not taken to address the issue.
In response to the study’s results, Green Party member of the German Bundestag Kai Gehring has called for a revision of the curriculum in all 16 federal states. Gehring emphasized the importance of updating educational materials to include topics such as the failure of the Weimar Republic, Hitler’s rise to power, the Holocaust, and the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. He believes that the education system plays a crucial role in promoting democracy, fostering historical awareness, and preventing anti-democratic extremism among young people. Gehring stressed the need for enhanced political education to build resilience and immunize youth against radical and extremist ideologies.
The study, titled “Youth in Germany 2024,” revealed that 22% of respondents aged 14 to 29 prefer the AfD as their political party, marking a 10-percentage-point increase from the previous year. In comparison, 20% supported the Union, 18% the Green Party, 12% the SPD, 8% the FDP, and 7% the Left Party. Gehring expressed concern that these high levels of support for the AfD could lead to a tipping point in the political landscape. He called for primary and secondary schools across the country to become stronger centers for democracy, anti-authoritarianism, and historical awareness. Gehring urged the federal states and the Conference of Ministers of Education to enhance the teaching of civic education, social sciences, politics, and history for all age groups.
The growing popularity of the AfD among young people has raised alarms among politicians and experts, prompting calls for immediate action to address the issue. Gehring emphasized the need for a comprehensive and nationwide effort to strengthen educational initiatives that promote democratic values, historical understanding, and resilience against extremist ideologies. The study’s findings highlight the importance of integrating critical historical lessons and fostering political literacy in educational curricula to combat the appeal of far-right movements among impressionable youth. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for policymakers to prioritize education as a key tool in building a more inclusive and democratic society.
