How do young people vote, and why?

According to the study, the traditional left-right classification is outdated for many young people. 33% identify themselves as politically centrist—of these, 17% say they would vote for the AfD, and 18% for the BSW. Many first-time voters feel “politically homeless” and desire a centrist party, which they do not currently perceive as existing. The study’s authors observe a “political cherry-picking” behavior, where young people select from different parties as needed.

However, 65% of the surveyed East Germans and 74% of the West Germans report being afraid of the AfD. 30% of first-time voters in East Germany and 25% in West Germany are afraid of the Greens. 20% of young voters in East Germany and 17% in West Germany fear the BSW.

The majority of respondents cite migration as the most important “political issue.” Climate change follows in second place, along with right-wing extremism.

More than half of the respondents rely exclusively on social media for information. According to the study’s authors, extreme narratives receive particular attention. The desire for security and clarity in an uncertain world drives many young people toward radical political decisions.

On average, 19% of East German respondents said they would vote for the AfD. However, given the current election results—32.8% for the AfD in Thuringia and 30.6% in Saxony—this means that young voters choose this party less often than older voters do.