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Why is the far-right gaining popularity among young people in Europe?
A far-right party is winning elections in Germany for the first time since WWII
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The success of far-right parties in the European Parliamentary elections in June 2024 sent shockwaves across the continent. Europe is leaning ever more towards the right, and all the implications that entails. Fueling this seismic shift in politics is an increasing number of young people, first-time voters disillusioned with established mainstream parties and seeking change.
In Germany, the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), or Alternative for Germany, is performing well in the country's regional elections. They are expected to win the parliamentary elections in Germany's eastern region of Thuringia. It's the first time a far-right party is projected to win an election since 1945, and they may also claim victory in the Saxony region. The AfD is in first place with a projected 33.5%, followed by the conservative Christian Democrats party (CDU). German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has seen disappointing results so far, especially as these regional elections are seen as an indication of what the current government can expect in next year's general elections. AfD focuses mainly on the issue of immigration, and some branches are suspected of far-right extremism. One of the party's top candidates in Thuringia, Björn Höck, has been penalized for using Nazi slogans on two occasions.
Amongst the supporters are a surprisingly large number of young people. But how has Gen Z been persuaded to take such a radical course of action? Click through and find out more about the ascension of the right in Europe.
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