The extreme right has managed to secure a significant presence in Germany, with a notable 20.8% of the electorate and 10.3 million votes. If we were to paint a picture of the average AFD voter, it would be a man in his mid-life, employed, yet worried about his country’s future, opposed to immigration, and hailing from eastern Germany.
Demographic Breakdown
The AFD’s electoral triumph is most pronounced among specific age groups. It emerges as the leading party among voters aged 25-34, securing 24% of the votes, and 26% among those aged 35-44. Even among the youngest voters, aged 18-24, the AFD positions itself as the second force after “Die Linke,” with 20% of the votes. In the 45-59 age bracket, it remains in second place, behind the conservative party, with 19% of the votes. However, voters over 70, who lived through the post-war period and are familiar with the consequences of Nazism, are less swayed by the AFD, with only 10% casting their votes for the party.
Voter Characteristics
In terms of educational background, individuals without formal education voted for the AFD by 29%, while those with some professional degree did so by 28%. Notably, those with university training were the least attracted to the ultra-right party, with only 13% of their votes. Among workers, the AFD is the most voted party, with a significant 38%, far surpassing freelancers at 21%, or retirees at 13%.
Immigration and Economic Concerns
For AFD voters, immigration played a pivotal role in their decision-making process, with 38% citing it as a major factor. This is in stark contrast to voters from other parties, for whom immigration is a secondary concern. Moreover, 40% of AFD voters believe that the party does not sufficiently distance itself from extreme right positions, indicating a clear understanding of the party’s stance.
Economic Fears
The fear of economic instability is a driving force behind many votes for the AFD. When asked about their economic situation, 39% of those who described it as “bad” voted for the AFD as their first option. In contrast, among those who described their situation as “good,” the AFD was the second option, with 17%, tied with the Social Democratic party. Furthermore, 75% of AFD voters expressed concern about not being able to pay their bills due to rising prices, and 71% fear not having enough money in the future.
Regional Strongholds
The AFD’s strongest support is found in eastern Germany, particularly in regions such as Turingia, where it reached an impressive 40%. Except for the capital, all direct mandates in East Germany, with the exception of two prominent figures from Die Linke and one from Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Postdam, have gone to the AFD, totaling 42 direct mandates. The party also secured significant victories in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Mecklemburg-Western Pomerania, with 37.3%, 37.1%, and 35% of the votes, respectively.
Shift in Voter Loyalty
Interestingly, more than half of the new AFD voters are disillusioned with the party they voted for in 2021. This shift includes a significant number of voters from other parties, with 1 million conservative voters from the Union and 110,000 voters from Die Linke switching to the AFD, as well as 890,000 voters from the Liberal Party FDP. This phenomenon underscores the evolving political landscape in Germany and the growing appeal of the AFD among diverse voter groups.