Germany Lowers Voting Age: Holocaust Survivors Urge Young Europeans to Vote

Germany Lowers Voting Age for European Elections

For the first time in Germany, 16 and 17-year-olds are allowed to take part in the European elections, marking a significant milestone in youth political engagement. According to the Federal Statistical Office, around 1.4 million 16- and 17-year-olds are eligible to vote in these upcoming elections. The Federal Student Conference is now advocating to extend this initiative to all elections in Germany. "We think that it makes a lot of sense and strengthens the political participation of young people," stated Louisa Basner, General Secretary of the Federal Student Conference. However, this proposal has sparked mixed reactions. Stefan Düll, President of the German Teachers' Association, expressed skepticism, stating that political responsibility requires maturity.

Holocaust Survivors Urge Young Europeans to Protect Democracy

A poignant letter penned by Holocaust survivors, aged 81 to 102, has been circulated by the cyber-activist NGO Avaaz. This letter appeals to young Europeans to exercise their right to vote in the European elections, as these survivors recount their experiences from the rise of the Nazi regime. They warn about the dangers of far-right movements, highlighting parallels with current political trends. In Germany, for example, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is projected to secure around 15% of the vote. Ruth Winkelmann, one of the signatories, emphasized the importance of voting to prevent history from repeating itself. "The far right did not come to power through a coup d'état but was democratically elected. Many underestimated it and did not take it seriously," the survivors warned, underscoring the fragile nature of democracy.

Voter turnout remains a concern, with only 57% of German 16 to 25-year-olds planning to vote, compared to higher percentages among older groups. The Bertelsmann Foundation’s survey indicates that young people are generally pro-European, valuing peace, civil rights, and climate action. Despite this, many do not engage actively in the political process. The contrast in voting intentions between different age groups highlights the challenge of mobilizing young voters, especially as political landscapes shift across Europe. With radical right-wing populist parties gaining traction, the call to 'Protect democracy' rings particularly urgent in these elections.