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Merz’s German boomers ignore Gen Z at their peril
In an ageing and politically fragmented Germany, the young deserve a fairer deal than the one its new government is offering.
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Designated German chancellor Friedrich Merz (centre) at the Bundestag in Berlin on May 6.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Chris Bryant
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The promise of 69-year-old Friedrich Merz, who was elected chancellor
In February’s national election, the youth vote skewed heavily towards radical parties, including the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and The Left, whereas Mr Merz’s Christian Democrat Union (CDU) and its coalition partners, the Social Democrats, were favoured more by older voters, who greatly outnumber the young. (Fewer than 15 per cent of voters are under the age of 30, whereas nearly 60 per cent are over 50.)
