As Germany approaches elections, Gen Z is increasingly shifting towards right-leaning parties. Factors influencing this change include the war in Ukraine, high migration rates, and economic challenges. The CDU/CSU and far-right AfD are gaining traction among young voters, who previously leaned toward environmental and social justice causes represented by the Greens. Recent surveys show a significant rightward shift, especially among 18-24-year-olds in eastern Germany. This generation, less affected by historical contexts like World War II, is more flexible in their voting choices. Social media, particularly TikTok, has also played a crucial role in shaping political narratives.
Berlin:
As Germany prepares to vote this Sunday, Gen Z is increasingly aligning with the Right. Until recently in 2021, a significant number of young German voters showed support for environmental advocacy and social justice initiatives, but this has substantially shifted in recent years.
The war in Ukraine, a rise in migration, and a faltering economy are some of the primary factors influencing this change among young voters.
Germany’s right-of-centre political spectrum includes moderates and conservatives supporting the CDU/CSU – currently the second-largest party – alongside the far-right AfD, which is gaining traction in the eastern regions.
The CDU/CSU are prioritizing pressing issues like immigration and economic challenges, while moderate parties are focusing more on climate initiatives and welfare policies.
In contrast to their parents, who often have steadfast allegiances to political parties, Germany’s Gen Z voters exhibit greater flexibility in their voting choices, actively seeking options that address their immediate concerns.
The Greens emerged as the leading party for 18-24 year olds during Germany’s 2021 elections, especially as the Fridays for Future movement mobilized thousands. However, the Greens have lost momentum, facing backlash over their stance on the same issues they once championed.
As Europe trends towards the Right, immigration has become a significant issue – one that left-leaning parties struggle to reconcile with their liberal ideologies. If last year’s European elections serve as a gauge, the CDU/CSU alliance was the most favored among young German voters, closely followed by the far-right AfD.
With just days remaining until the election, numerous surveys reveal a noticeable rightward shift among Germany’s Gen Z electorate.
Gen Z is generally recognized as the demographic born between 1997 and 2012, with many members casting their votes for the first time. Analysts suggest that Gen Z worries less about the far-right AfD, as they do not share the same historical ties to World War II and its consequences as previous generations.
While the CDU/CSU maintains strong support in western Germany, the far-right AfD has successfully made inroads in eastern regions. In three regional elections in the east last year, the AfD saw substantial gains among the 18-24 demographic, primarily at the expense of the Greens, according to polling institute infratest dimap.
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse surrounding the German elections. These platforms have also influenced the political ideologies of young Germans. Both the far-right AfD and the far-left Die Linke have effectively garnered support online, contributing to a polarized and divided public opinion in Germany.
The latest opinion polls indicate that about 30 percent of German voters across all age groups remain undecided ahead of this week’s election. This undecided voter base could determine the outcome of the election in Germany.
(Inputs from AFP)