Young people don’t believe in the future – is politics’ fault
An enraged Greta Thunberg staring down Donald Trump at the 2019 UN summit in New York became an iconic image, representing a generation’s commitment to fighting climate change and securing a better future. However, the recent election results have raised eyebrows as Greta Thunberg’s peers, the young generation, did not vote for green or left-wing parties. Instead, they chose to support the Moderates and the Sweden Democrats.
In the 2014 election, the Green Party received twelve percent of first-time voters’ votes, and the Sweden Democrats also gained significant popularity. However, in the 2022 elections, the Green Party dropped to five percent, while the Sweden Democrats became the second-largest party with 22 percent of the votes. The Moderate Party emerged as the largest, receiving 26 percent of the votes.
Rebecka Forsberg and Leon Mc Manus, the spokespersons for Grön Ungdom (Green Youth), the Green Party’s youth association, provided insight into the election results. Both growing up in Frölunda, they believe that the green and red parties have failed to effectively communicate about future possibilities. This lack of communication has made it challenging for young voters to believe in the previous government’s promises. With many young people already experiencing worse conditions than their parents, the threat of climate change intensifying further is disheartening.
According to Leon Mc Manus, political solutions are needed to address the problems that young people face in their everyday lives. He emphasized the need for policies that consider diverse perspectives and realities, as not everyone can afford electric cars or benefit from solar cells. Additionally, the Green Youth has pushed for an increase in the permitted speed for A tractors to 45 kilometers per hour, recognizing the challenges faced by members with rural backgrounds.
Rebecka Forsberg and Leon Mc Manus pointed out that the green and red parties’ failure to address certain issues has allowed the Sweden Democrats to gain support. They emphasize that other parties have adopted the Sweden Democrats’ worldview, which resonates with more and more people, concerning both immigration and climate change. To regain trust and secure a sustainable future, they call for a larger community project that tackles structural inequalities and considers how Sweden functions as a whole.
Rebecka Forsberg highlighted the importance of bridging gaps and equalizing socio-economic divisions. She noted that these divisions have grown, but discussing them is often taboo. Economic disparities and geographic disadvantages in rural and suburban areas contribute to societal withdrawal and a sense of abandonment.
The key takeaway is that faith in the future and real politics are crucial for securing a sustainable and equitable society. It is not only the youngest voters who are seeking meaningful change; these issues resonate with a broader population. To achieve a green transition, it is essential to consider the needs and perspectives of all people and bridge the gaps that divide society.