Across Europe, young people are taking to the streets. Some protest peacefully; others turn to violence. They say they are angry about uncertain job prospects, poor education and the high cost of living.
Zurich and Basel have also seen protests and riots, and a large youth strike is planned for the end of November. Yet at the Youth Session in Bern, many participants question the case for protest in Switzerland, reports SRF. They defend the right to assemble but see their country as different from its neighbours. Many consider themselves privileged.
Once a year, 200 young people from across Switzerland gather at the Federal Palace in Bern for four days to debate their concerns and put demands to politicians. Organised by young volunteers, the Youth Session is one of Switzerland’s largest youth participation projects, open to anyone aged 14 to 21, regardless of language, background or political experience. It aims to give young people a stronger voice in Swiss politics—more information can be found here.
This session’s topics included digital ethics, agricultural policy, civil protection and disaster management, young people in the asylum system, innovation and research, debt, freedom of belief and young people’s career prospects.
SRF was there to engage with the group and hear their views.
I think Switzerland is one of the best places to live, so I don’t necessarily see a reason for protests here, said one 16-year-old participant. Another agreed, arguing that protests in Switzerland were less justified than those in France or Italy.
Lukas Frey, 18, warned against describing young people as an angry generation. He sees growing polarisation, with opposing sides becoming ever louder, and wants constructive solutions.
Emilia Mirovska, 20, president of the Young Centre Basel, also questioned the protests. Speaking out matters, she told SRF, but unauthorised demonstrations and violence are counterproductive: they risk alienating other generations.
Giulia Bucheli, 19, of the Young Greens, takes a slightly different view. She is helping to organise the Youth Session and feels misunderstood by politicians. Privilege, she argues, is no reason to stay off the streets. Young people can be angry on behalf of others, and climate change will affect everyone. Affluent Swiss youngsters have a right to protest, too.
Even those who do not protest have plenty to worry about. Participants cite climate change, artificial intelligence and an ageing population, as well as changing career prospects and international conflicts.
According to Pro Juventute, a youth organisation, about a third of Switzerland’s young people are not optimistic about the future. Worries about careers, money and housing are common to young people in Switzerland and those protesting abroad, says Lulzana Musliu, the organisation’s head of policy and media.
The Youth Session offers one way to turn those concerns into proposals. Over four days, participants develop solutions to political problems before formally presenting their demands to Stefan Engler, president of the Council of States. The handover is largely symbolic. Action depends on politicians’ willingness to take up the proposals. In its 35 years, the Youth Session has led to nine parliamentary initiatives.
More on this:
SRF article (in German)
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