Youth Disillusionment Spurs Call for Greater Political Representation in Sweden

A recent analysis highlights a concerning trend in Sweden, where democratic engagement among youth is rapidly declining. According to the Youth Barometer, one in five boys and one in ten girls expressed that there are better forms of governance than democracy, raising alarm over the state of political representation for young people in Sweden as general elections approach.

Experts from Sweden's Youth Council assert that youth councils are critical platforms for addressing this disillusionment. They emphasize that these councils allow young people to engage in vital political discussions and advocate for their rights, aligning with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which became Swedish law in 2020.

The absence of local youth councils has been flagged as a significant oversight, undermining the political rights of children and young people. The authors of the report argue that municipalities should establish these councils to better include young voices in democratic processes. They point out that youth councils are resource-efficient and can engage diverse groups of youth who may otherwise feel marginalized.

Furthermore, evidence suggests participation in youth councils can lead to greater involvement in youth party organizations, ultimately channeling young people into more significant political roles. Local decision-makers are therefore urged to prioritize the development of youth councils, seen as vital for promoting a robust democracy in Sweden, which is essential for its future health and stability.