Study supports demands of the Austrian NYC
The recently published study (run by Institute SORA, Institut für Strategieanalysen and Dr. Ulrike Kozeluh) analysed the voting behaviour of young voters at the Austrian parliamentary elections in 2008.
The results show that politicians need to take young people and their concerns into account and that they have to adress them more than they have done it in the past.
"Young people are definitely interested in politics, but politicians don't represent their interests and needs. The consequence is a distance from political institutions. Politicians need to pick up topics that are relevant for young people", comments Philipp Nagel (President of the Austrian National Youth Council).
The analysis shows which issues are most relevant for young people: education, (un-)employment, equal rights and poverty. Since years the Austrian National Youth Council is demanding measures in these fields. "In times of economic turmoil the government must not save expenses but invest in youth! There is also the need to strenghthen the position of the Austrian National Youth Council to guarantee the political participation of young people", requires Nagel.
The upcoming European Parliament elections will show if top-candidates are able to reach young people. So far there is a lack of youth related issues in the electionary campaigns."
Short summary of the study (English)
