The motto “We have the choice” was the motto of the large youth discussion that was held yesterday evening by the Federal Youth Representative Council (BJV) in cooperation with Radio FM4 in the RadioKulturhaus.
Around 150 young people were on site and participants from all over Austria were there via the live stream to get answers to the questions that concern them before the National Council election. Because, although young people are allowed to vote from the age of 16, youth issues are largely ignored in the election campaign.
On the podium, the candidates for the National Council Nico Marchetti (ÖVP), Paul Stich (SPÖ), Lisa Gubik (FPÖ), Felix Stadler (Greens) and Yannick Shetty (NEOS) answered the questions that young voters had asked in advance could bring in discussion. The event was moderated by Emily Busvine and Philipp Emberger from FM4.
During the welcome, BJV chairwoman Sabrina Prochaska pointed out that young people feel that they are not sufficiently informed before the election: “Our event is intended to help ensure that there are answers to the questions that are currently affecting young people in Austria. Overall, there needs to be a stronger focus on youth concerns in politics.”
Debate on mental health, schools and climate
The discussion covered topics such as mental health, strengthening volunteerism and youth culture. But the candidates were also asked about their ideas for a school of the future and measures against the climate crisis.
The politicians agreed in many areas that there was a need for action, and possible solutions were then discussed in some very controversial ways. After a heated 90-minute debate, the young event participants had the opportunity to have a personal exchange with the politicians in order to ask more specific questions about topics that interest them.
Because one thing is clear: “Young people won’t be fobbed off with empty phrases; they want concrete solutions to their problems. It is important to us that we not only talk about young people, but above all with them. Our concerns must count,” said BJV chairman Sabir Ansari.
“That’s why it’s particularly important that we use our voice and go to the polls on September 29th. “This super election year will set the course for our future,” emphasizes BJV chairwoman Sabrina Prochaska.
Information offers for young voters
The BJV wants to support young people in making an informed voting decision and has various offers for this purpose. In addition to the discussion event, which can be viewed online, there is a separate youth check brochure that contains important election information and a comparison of the youth policy positions of the nine parties running nationwide.
Links and broadcast instructions
Report and photos on the BJV website: https://bjv.at/wir-haben-die-wahl/
Report on FM4: https://fm4.orf.at/stories/3043443
Watch it today at 1 p.m. on ORF III and then on on.ORF.at: https://tv.orf.at/wirhabendi100.html
BJV Youth Check brochure: www.jugendcheck.at