Germany's Green Party leader pushes 'men's policy' to counter far-right appeal

Felix Banaszak, co-leader of Germany’s Green Party, has sparked debate with his push for a 'men’s policy' aimed at engaging young men in gender equality. His approach, however, faced sharp criticism at a recent meeting with the Federal Women’s Council, where attendees questioned the need for such a forum. The discussion comes as younger male voters increasingly shift toward far-right parties, highlighting a growing political divide by gender. Banaszak first addressed young men in a Playboy interview, urging them to reflect on their privileges. He admitted that a later social media post—suggesting men should feel ashamed—was deliberately provocative to spark self-criticism. His stance builds on a 2010 Green Party manifesto, Men, give up power! It’s worth it, signed by 21 politicians.

The co-leader argues that rigid gender norms harm men as well as women and that men should play an active role in feminism. His office, painted pink, serves as a visual statement against traditional masculinity. Yet, his ideas met resistance at the Federal Women’s Council, where some dismissed the need for a men’s forum entirely. The debate extends beyond the Greens. Rasmus Andresen, a Green Party MEP, called for a shift in tone to better engage young men on shared issues. Meanwhile, far-right AfD politician Maximilian Krah recently advised single men to 'be on the right' ahead of the 2024 European elections. This follows a trend from the last federal election, where men under 24 overwhelmingly backed the AfD, while young women favoured centre-left parties. Banaszak’s argument that masculinity can be redefined isn’t entirely new. Twenty years ago, goalkeeper Tim Wiese wore pink during matches without facing serious backlash. Yet today, discussions around men’s roles in society remain contentious, especially as political loyalties split along gender lines.

The Green Party’s attempt to reach young men has exposed tensions within gender politics. While Banaszak frames his approach as part of a broader feminist effort, critics see it as misplaced or unnecessary. With young male voters increasingly drawn to far-right parties, the debate over how to engage them—and who should lead that conversation—is likely to continue.