Young Europeans' Growing Anti-Migrant Sentiment: A Shift Among Generation Z and Millennials

A recent study reveals a troubling trend among young people in Europe, particularly in Eastern European countries, where Generation Z and millennials are increasingly adopting anti-migrant sentiments. This shift is evident in their growing support for far-right parties that champion anti-immigration agendas.

Key statistics from various European nations highlight this trend. In Belgium, France, Portugal, Germany, and Finland, younger voters are backing anti-immigration and anti-establishment parties in numbers equal to or exceeding older voters. In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders' anti-immigration far-right Freedom Party won the 2023 election, with a campaign that tied affordable housing to restrictions on immigration, resonating with young voters.

Why this matters: This shift in sentiment among young Europeans has significant implications for the future of European politics and society, as it may lead to further polarization and a continued focus on immigration as a central issue. If left unchecked, it could result in the erosion of social cohesion and the rise of nationalist and xenophobic ideologies.

In Portugal, the far-right party Chega capitalized on young people's frustration with the housing crisis, securing 18% of the votes in the March general election. Similarly, in France, 32% of 18-25-year-olds expressed their intent to vote for the far-right National Rally, led by 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, if the election were held the following weekend.

Germany also reflects this trend, with 14.5% of 14-29-year-olds indicating support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). There is a notable gender divide, with young women leaning towards left-leaning parties, while young men favor right-wing parties. In Finland, the anti-immigration right-wing Finns Party placed second in the 2023 general election, garnering 20% of the vote and performing particularly well among younger men.

This shift among young voters is marked by a preference for newer parties with far-right platforms, while long-established centrist parties continue to rely on support from older voters. Josse de Voogd, a Dutch researcher, noted, 'Young voters across Europe are veering toward newer parties which include far-right platforms, whereas many long-established centrist parties still rely on support from older voters.'

Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, play a significant role in shaping young people's political preferences. Jordan Bardella's strong presence on TikTok has contributed to his popularity among young French voters, illustrating the influence of digital platforms on political engagement.

The political climate in Europe, which often blames migrants for economic and social problems, has undoubtedly influenced this shift. As young people face challenges such as housing crises and economic instability, they are increasingly drawn to parties that promise to address these issues through stricter immigration policies.

To summarize, the growing anti-migrant sentiment among young Europeans, particularly in Eastern European countries, is reshaping the political terrain. With a significant portion of Generation Z and millennials supporting far-right parties, the future of European politics may see further polarization and a continued focus on immigration as a central issue.

Key Takeaways

• Young Europeans, especially in Eastern Europe, are increasingly adopting anti-migrant sentiments.
• Generation Z and millennials are backing far-right parties that champion anti-immigration agendas.
• In several European countries, young voters are supporting anti-immigration parties at rates equal to or higher than older voters.
• Social media platforms, like TikTok, are influencing young people's political preferences and shaping their views on immigration.
• This shift may lead to further polarization and a continued focus on immigration as a central issue in European politics.