Juveniles Asserting Themselves Inside Courtroom Walls
In rural areas across Germany, a lack of pluralistic, non-right-wing spaces has left a void that right-wing groups are all too eager to fill, according to Frank Tillmann from the German Youth Institute. This concern is shared by Max, a youth activist who won the Youth Engagement Award 2025 in June.
Max is particularly worried about the shift of the CDU party towards the right, viewing it as a dangerous trend. He believes that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is not just an eastern German problem, but a societal issue that requires immediate attention.
Max's activism has gained significant traction, thanks in part to his Instagram account, which boasts nearly 30,000 followers following a viral video. He is one of many young leaders spearheading initiatives like "dieKante," a student-led group that is increasingly relying on the reach of social media platforms to counter right-wing extremism in rural Germany.
"DieKante" engages in awareness-raising, educational campaigns, and local activism to foster democratic values and social cohesion in communities affected by extremist activities. In regions like Bad Dürrenberg, which has seen a rise in right-wing extremism, these groups may collaborate with civil society organizations and local authorities to create inclusive spaces and counter hate speech.
However, while political interest and civil engagement among young people are on the rise, trust in institutionalized forms of participation is decreasing, according to studies by the German Youth Institute. Tillmann emphasizes the importance of creating more offers for young people in politics to bridge this trust gap.
Despite the dangers and attacks, Max remains committed to political activism. He could imagine running in the municipal election in 2029. A strong civil society, Tillmann argues, must show resistance against right-wing forces, lest extremist groups benefit from a "silent majority."
As Max prepares to graduate from school and pursue an apprenticeship, his activism serves as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and democratic future in rural Germany.
Max's concern about the shift of the CDU party towards the right is not limited to him; many see it as a dangerous trend, similar to the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which Max believes should not be considered an eastern German problem exclusively, but rather a societal issue that calls for immediate attention.
The growing influence of right-wing extremism in rural Germany has been addressed by multiple youth-led initiatives such as "dieKante," a student-led group that uses social media platforms to tackle extremism and counter hate speech. These groups collaborate with civil society organizations and local authorities to create inclusive spaces and promote democracy.
While political interest and civil engagement among young people are increasing, trust in institutionalized forms of participation is decreasing, according to the German Youth Institute's studies. This emphasizes the importance of creating more opportunities for young people in politics to bridge this trust gap.
Max's activism has gained significant traction on social media, and he can potentially leverage this platform to enter politics, considering his ambition to run in the municipal election in 2029. A strong civil society should show resistance against right-wing forces to prevent extremist groups from gaining support from the "silent majority."
Aside from politics, contemporary lifestyle choices include engaging in fashion-and-beauty trends, entertainment, and sports. Max's passion for activism hasn't deterred him from following his interests: he's a football fan and keeps up with European leagues, especially the premier league.
However, society is not only about the pleasures of fashion, entertainment, and sports. It also grapples with serious issues such as war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and policy-and-legislation. The rise in car-accidents is a public safety concern that requires attention and action. General-news outlets report on these topics extensively, keeping the public informed and aware.
In the face of these challenges, the resilience of young leaders like Max offers hope for a more inclusive and democratic future, not just in rural Germany, but in society at large.
