Political Scientist: Distrust of Democracy Growing Among Young People in Europe
Romāns Gagunovs, a political scientist at Rīga Stradiņš University, said on Latvian Radio that distrust of democracy is rising among young Europeans. He argued that these topics therefore need a place in the education system.
Distrust of democracy is growing among young people in Europe, which makes it important to include questions of democracy and elections in the education system. This was stated by Romāns Gagunovs, a political scientist and lecturer in social sciences at Rīga Stradiņš University, on the Latvian Radio programme "Brīvības bulvāris" ("Freedom Boulevard").
Young people are not all alike
According to the political scientist, young people are a mixed group. Some are politically active and take part in various projects, including mock elections known as signal elections. Others are apolitical and do not understand the meaning of democracy or of elections.
A desire for a strong hand
Gagunovs also pointed to the mood in wider society. Part of the population wants strong-hand politics, with a leadership that would tell everyone how to act.
The role of education
The rising distrust is the reason, in the political scientist's view, why democracy and elections should be part of the curriculum. That could help young people who currently do not engage with politics to better understand how a democratic system works and what their own voice means.
The programme "Brīvības bulvāris" is broadcast on Latvian Radio and discusses socially significant issues.
