Germany witnesses a surge in party memberships, marking the first increase since 1990
In a significant shift, the number of party members in Germany has increased for the first time since 1990, according to an annual study by Berlin political scientist Oskar Niedermayer. This surge in political mobilisation can be largely attributed to the build-up to the 2025 federal election, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Greens experiencing particularly strong growth.
The AfD's membership has grown by around 30% in 2024, following a similar increase in 2023. This growth is linked to the AfD's rise as the second-largest party in the February 2025 federal election, capturing 20.8% of the vote nationwide and even winning pluralities in many constituencies in the former East Germany. The AfD's far-right, nationalist, and anti-immigrant platform has attracted considerable grassroots support, fueling its membership growth.
On the other hand, the Greens have capitalised on increased public focus on environmental and immigration issues, driving activism and party joining among younger and more progressive voters. The Greens recorded an above-average increase in membership, with a rise of 23% in 2024.
The political volatility stemming from the early election triggered by the collapse of the previous governing coalition has mobilised citizens across the spectrum. The election saw increased voter turnout (84%, the highest since reunification) and dramatic shifts in party fortunes, prompting many to formalise their political commitment through party membership.
The FDP lost around six percent of its members in 2024, while the SPD continued to decline at a similar pace to previous years. In contrast, both the SPD and FDP have been losing members for decades, according to Niedermayer. The Left party also saw an increase in membership, with a rise of 17% according to the data.
The total increase in membership for all Bundestag parties was 3.2% compared to the previous year. The specific source of the data is the "Party Members in Germany" study by Oskar Niedermayer at the FU Berlin, and the "Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland".
This surge in party membership reflects heightened political engagement after years of relative decline, stimulated by volatile election outcomes, polarising campaigns, and pressing national debates. The growth in party membership is attributed to the breakdown of the traffic light coalition in November of the previous year, which reversed a previously persistent downward trend.
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Commemoration of 200 Days of American Resurgence Unveiled
- Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
- Politicians from both Republican and Democratic parties are urging President Trump to maintain the security agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom.
