Germany Enhances Youth Political Participation Amid Calls for Greater Inclusion

Germany is witnessing renewed efforts and discussions around youth political participation, highlighting both new initiatives and ongoing challenges. On the 36th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN-KRK), advocates stress the importance of involving young people in key political decisions. Claudia Kittel, head of the UN-KRK Monitoring Office, pointed out that crucial matters such as the recent debate on reinstating mandatory military service were conducted without adequate youth involvement. She emphasizes that active youth participation fosters understanding of democracy and human rights, especially as young Germans grow increasingly disillusioned. The establishment of a Children's Commissioner at the federal level has been welcomed as a significant step toward better protecting and promoting children’s rights, with hopes for effective collaboration under the new officeholder Mareike Wulf.

In local politics, the city of Freiburg has launched “Speak Up – Your City. Your Topics. Your Voices,” a pioneering initiative that empowers children and teenagers to express their concerns and ideas directly to municipal officials. Beginning November 24, 2023, the program offers workshops and sessions facilitating youth dialogue before the Children and Youth Welfare Committee. This expands existing participation frameworks, aiming to integrate youth perspectives into local governance.

Despite these efforts, critiques remain about the broader political landscape in Germany. Economist Marcel Fratzscher highlights in a November commentary that current national policies disproportionately benefit the wealthy, sidelining the younger generation. He underscores the financial hardships faced by young Germans, from housing insecurity to precarious job markets, which hinder their ability to start families or secure financial independence. Fratzscher calls for urgent reforms in housing, retirement, and taxation policies to address these inequalities. Criticizing the current government led by Chancellor Merz, he contends that political priorities favor older, affluent voters rather than investing in youth futures.

Together, these developments depict a dynamic situation where youth participation in politics is gaining attention and institutional support, yet systemic economic and social challenges persist that undermine young people's trust and inclusion in Germany’s democratic processes.