On September 29, the National Council will be re-elected. Anyone who is at least 16 years old can vote at the polling station. However, our young people do not feel represented by the parties in any way. Now she wants to wake up politicians with her own ‘election program’.
A breakfast with a view of the Parliament on the Ringstrasse in Vienna. What sounds like a short holiday to most people, had a very serious background for young people from all over the country on Wednesday. The round table in front of the House was not there for the view, but to make your voice heard. Because: Four out of five young people (see graph) do not feel represented by politics.
More than 2,300 young people took part
With the organization ‘Yep – The Voice of the Youth’, more than 2,300 young people (14 to 30 years old) collected demands, which were incorporated into a ‘party program’ and handed over to members of parliament from all parties on Wednesday. In the hope that the situation of young people in Austria will also be considered during the government negotiations.
Politics only looks at the rich, not the poor
If you listen to the parliament, the statements repeat themselves. Many are convinced that politicians look at their own interests (29%), companies (27%) and the concerns of the rich (18%), and not those of the elderly (5%), young people (3%) and the poor (2%). The feeling of powerlessness ensures that 22 percent will not spend September 29 at the polling station. 13 percent are still not sure whether they should do so. A large pool of non-voters who could certainly be convinced with arguments.
More greenery, higher penalties for violent criminals, completely new schools
But how could parties convince young people? To help politicians, a ‘party program’ was drawn up. In addition to more integration, the aim is to combat disillusionment with politics with the following demands. The school system and curriculum must be modernized, teachers must be selected based on social skills, and public transportation must be expanded. In addition, people want more trees, heavy penalties for polluting companies and higher penalties for violent criminals.
Therapy places are especially important for boys
Anti-democratic groups and parties must be banned quickly and healthy food must be offered cheaper than unhealthy food. Free tutoring for young people is just as much a part of the youth party program as free therapy places for depression etc. Politicians have a lot of work ahead of them. At least for the parties that hope to get young people on the ballot in the future.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
