Most young Germans see no point in politics, survey says – DW – 12/12/2024
www.dw.com
The majority of young people in Germany see no point in becoming involved with politics, according to a survey. Most see too many hurdles and believe politicians don't take their worries seriously, the report said.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/23060161

Summary

A survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation found that most young Germans (ages 16-30) feel disillusioned with politics, citing distrust, lack of influence, and insufficient avenues for engagement beyond voting.

Only 8% believe politicians take their concerns seriously, and fewer than 1 in 5 feel they can enact change.

Despite this, 61% still see democracy as the best system.

The findings come as Germany faces potential elections after its coalition collapse, with experts urging politicians to better involve youth on key issues like peace, education, and inflation.

  • Captain Baka@feddit.orgEnglish
    28·
    11 days ago

    To the surprise of absolutely nobody, because german politics do VERY much for people of the age 60 and above, but VERY little for people under the age 40.

    • NeuronautML@lemmy.mlEnglish
      8·
      12 days ago

      This seems to be the issue across Europe, or at least in a great part of Europe. The huge break in fertility didn’t happen in a vacuum. Articles keep saying it’s porn or women’s rights, but I’m pretty sure that’s not it. Women can work and we all can crank and still have families.

      It happened because governments stopped caring about the youth and lining their pockets and the old constituents’ pockets, as they got used to the baby boom and thought they could take advantage of the youth forever. The entire social security system is predicated on leeching from the current youth rather than saving up for the future.

      Being young in Europe sucks. I’m with the Germans on this. I feel so unsupported and paying for everyone, even if i could afford kids, i wouldn’t have them anyway. A sharp break in fertility is the only form of protest that governments will listen to in order to stop ignoring, lying to or just outright taking from the youth. Not only that, even those poor sods that still have kids, for some reason, face an absolute disgrace of a childcare and school system. Underpaid teachers and a general lack of facilities makes you wonder where does the youth money go.

      Immigration is all fine and dandy, but everyone knows Immigration will not fix the issues caused by neglecting the youth. The issue is systemic. Once immigrants are integrated, their kids will also not have kids. One way or the other, the system is coming down.

      • Captain Baka@feddit.orgEnglish
        6·
        12 days ago

        even if i could afford kids, i wouldn’t have them anyway.

        This and also the fact that the world doesn’t feel very “liveable” (is that even a real word?) anymore. Climate change, wars, social inequality. I wouldn’t want to throw a kid of mine in such a meat grinder.