The political attitudes of young people in Europe differ significantly by gender, a trend already highlighted by the 2025 study “The youth gender gap in support for the far right” from the Humboldt Governance Lab. This divergence is clearly visible in Germany, where 25 percent of young men identify with the right-wing spectrum, compared to only 14 percent of women. Conversely, support for left-wing parties is growing among their female peers, rising from 44 percent in 2019 to 51 percent in 2024.
The reasons for these gender differences are complex: Young men tend to orient themselves more strongly toward traditional roles and images of masculinity, and many feel left behind in a world shaped by globalization and modernization. Because they obtain higher educational qualifications less frequently than women, they are more often affected by economic insecurity. While lower education levels correlate strongly with right-wing populist attitudes, a high level of education is no guarantee for the rejection of right-wing positions.
In Germany, a young person’s place of residence also plays a decisive role in their political stance. In recent state elections in Eastern Germany, between 29 and 38 percent of the younger generation cast their vote for the right-wing populist AfD, whereas these percentages are lower in Western German regions. This can be explained by a persistent East-West divide regarding wages, infrastructure, and demographics to the disadvantage of Eastern Germany.
Generally, the voting behavior of younger generations in Germany is characterized as volatile and susceptible to crises. Alongside frustration and political apathy, there is a shattered trust in established parties. It is particularly striking that 44 percent of the younger generation desire a “strong hand” in government leadership. At the same time, a counter-pole exists, defined by high political interest, satisfaction with democracy, and progressive values among young people.
