Far-right support rises among youth in East Germany

There is growing concern in Germany as more young people are turning to far-right and Neo-Nazi groups. This trend is happening as the memories of World War Two fade among the population. Extremist groups are using social media to question the facts about the war and make outrageous claims about Allied forces committing war crimes. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a hard-right political party, is experiencing increased support. In last month’s general election, they ranked second, just behind the conservative Christian Democratic Union. This result has surprised many, as Germany has a history of rejecting far-right movements. AfD leaders insist their party is not similar to Hitler’s regime. Beatrix Von Storch, the party’s deputy leader, stated that drawing parallels between them and past fascists empowers Neo-Nazis. A recent rally in Dresden highlighted these issues, attracting over three thousand attendees. Some people at the rally carried banners that downplayed the severity of the Holocaust and accused Allied forces of committing atrocities. Young attendees, including one who identified himself as a “proud Nazi,” indicated a shift in acceptance among younger generations. He claimed that openly expressing these beliefs encourages others to do the same. The situation raises serious concerns about the rise of far-right ideology in Germany.