The 2024 German federal election revealed a stark divide among young voters, with many leaning toward the far ends of the political spectrum. While the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) emerged victorious overall, securing more than 28% of the vote and defeating Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), young Germans overwhelmingly rejected the CDU and its 69-year-old leader, Friedrich Merz. Instead, a significant portion of young voters flocked to two parties: Die Linke (The Left), a socialist party advocating for progressive policies, and the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which campaigned on stricter immigration controls, economic nationalism, and a Russia-friendly foreign policy. The AfD, in particular, made historic gains, securing 20% of the total vote—the highest share for a far-right party in Germany since World War II. Die Linke performed unexpectedly well among young voters, capturing 8.7% of the total vote, significantly exceeding earlier poll predictions.
Young Germans played a crucial role in shaping the election’s outcome. Among 18- to 24-year-olds, Die Linke emerged as the clear favorite, winning 25% of their votes—a staggering 17-point increase from the 2021 federal election, according to an exit poll conducted by Infratest Dimap for the German public broadcaster ARD. This demographic’s support for Die Linke was the highest among all age groups and parties. Meanwhile, the AfD also saw a dramatic surge in popularity among young voters, securing 21% of the 18- to 24-year-old vote—a 14-point increase from 2021. In contrast, the CDU, which won the election overall, struggled to connect with younger voters, with only 13% of 18- to 24-year-olds supporting the party. The SPD, Germany’s traditional center-left party, performed even more poorly, dropping to 12% among young voters—its worst showing in the post-war era.
The election highlighted the deepening ideological and generational divides in Germany. While the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), won 208 out of 630 seats in the Bundestag, their support primarily came from voters aged 45 and older. However, the CDU fell short of an absolute majority, forcing Merz to seek a coalition partner to reach the 316 seats required to form a government. Young voters, on the other hand, were drawn to parties that addressed their concerns about immigration, economic inequality, and the rising cost of living. Reto Mitteregger, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Zurich, noted that both Die Linke and the AfD effectively capitalized on these issues, albeit in vastly different ways. Die Linke’s focus on social justice, environmental protection, and an open-door immigration policy resonated with young progressives, while the AfD’s hardline stance on immigration and its nationalistic economic agenda appealed to young conservatives.
The reasons behind the AfD’s growing appeal among young Germans are complex and multifaceted. Mitteregger pointed out that the party’s anti-immigration rhetoric has become increasingly normalized in recent years, making it less controversial among younger voters compared to previous elections. The AfD’s emphasis on issues like housing shortages, economic instability, and poverty also struck a chord with young people struggling to make ends meet. Interestingly, there was a significant gender gap in support for the AfD, with young men being more likely to vote for the party than young women. While 25% of men under 25 supported the AfD, only 14% of women in the same age group did so. Mitteregger attributed this disparity to differing views on immigration and gender equality, which appear to divide younger voters more sharply than older generations.
Die Linke’s success among young voters was fueled by its progressive platform and its strong online presence. The party positioned itself as a champion of social equality, advocating for policies such as no deportations, universal healthcare, and free education. Its manifesto calls for a “democratic socialist” society where every child has access to opportunities and no one lives in poverty. Die Linke also invested heavily in social media campaigns, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where its young supporters actively engaged with its content. Heidi Reichinnek, one of the party’s leading candidates, became a viral sensation after delivering impassioned speeches criticizing Merz and the CDU. Mitteregger described Die Linke’s performance among young voters as “somewhat surprising,” given that the party had struggled to gain traction in previous elections. Its ability to connect with younger Germans through digital platforms and progressive messaging was a key factor in its unexpected success.
The election has significant implications for Germany’s future. With a record-breaking 83.5% voter turnout—the highest since German unification in 1990—the stakes were higher than ever. Yet, the country now faces a deeply divided electorate, with young voters leading the charge toward political extremes. As Merz prepares to take office, he will inherit a nation grappling with pressing challenges, including a sluggish economy, rising inequality, and heightened tensions over immigration. The growing popularity of both Die Linke and the AfD among young voters reflects a broader dissatisfaction with mainstream politics and a desire for radical change. Whether these trends will continue or reverse in future elections remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: young Germans are demanding a voice in shaping their country’s direction, and their choices at the ballot box will have far-reaching consequences.
