In brief
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, known for its controversial far-right stance, is experiencing an influx of young supporters who leverage social media and modern political strategies to broaden its appeal. These young extremists, once isolated from the older, blue-collar base, are gaining traction ahead of elections by embracing the party’s provocative messaging and fostering a provocative ethos among voters.
Young activists are forming a new core of Germany’s nationalist, anti-immigrant party. They are building on the party’s base, which has traditionally been older, blue-collar men. These young people, who often revel in being called extremists, are helping to broaden the party’s appeal ahead of the election. They are using social media and other modern political tools to get out their anti-establishment message. The Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, with its anti-immigrant and nationalist platform, has long been the pariah of German politics. Its members have been fined for Nazi slogans and labeled extremist by the government. Ahead of Sunday’s national parliamentary election, a new band of influencers has found a voice among voters by bringing a more youthful edge to the party known for its provocations and controversies. They welcome the scorn of protesters, journalists and the mainstream political parties. Some of them still trade jokes about Hitler and Jews, along with the occasional Sig Heil salute.Their party’s energy and ethos have won approving nods from notable figures like Elon Musk, an adviser to President Trump, and Vice President JD Vance. This new wave of young influencers has helped elevate the AfD to second in the polls, despite traditional political efforts to keep the party out of government due to its far-right tendencies. The changing face of the AfD is evidenced by the experiences of activists like Marie-Thérèse Kaiser, 28, who recalls attending her first AfD event in 2017, surrounded by retirees. She reflects on how demographics have shifted, as young people who might have identified as punks or hippies in another era now find solidarity within the AfD and actively promote its agenda online.
