Study shows – Young Germans distrust the government

Young people have a high level of trust in democracy. They are skeptical of the government. How can politics change that?

Gütersloh/Berlin – The majority of young people trust in democracy – at least that’s what a new one claims Study by the Bertelsmann Foundation in collaboration with the Dutch market research institute Glocalities. In a survey, 59 percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 30 expressed their trust in democracy. Things are even better for the EU. 62 percent of the young people surveyed trust this. This puts Germany in a good place compared to other European countries.

The problem is trust in the government and therefore in the traffic light coalition, which only 39 percent of young people would trust. Germany is not alone with this result. Trust in its own government is declining across Europe. But why is that? The study points to key topics that are important to young people.

Youth are most concerned about human rights and climate change

At 46 percent, the consequences of climate change would be one of the most important questions for young people. However, the authors emphasize that at 45 percent, this is almost as big an issue for 31 to 70 year olds. However, when it comes to the question of whether people also lead an ecological lifestyle, the results differ. The study states that older people have a higher level of environmental awareness and show “an even greater interest in an ecological and sustainable lifestyle than younger people”.

Where young people differ from older people is the issues of racism and discrimination. On average, up to 33 percent more young people would concern themselves with such questions. The authors of the study conclude that “social justice and fairness are very important” to young people.

As with the issues of racism and discrimination, younger people differ from their older counterparts when it comes to mental health. 41 percent of young people are concerned about this issue. They were also much more likely to report feeling lonely. The study refers to the situation in the corona pandemic, in which there could have been high psychological stress for young people.

Study sees results as a “warning signal” for politics

Governments should see the fact that young people are becoming increasingly pessimistic about the future, especially because of climate change, as a “warning signal”. According to the authors, politicians should also strive to maintain and further strengthen existing trust with a view to the upcoming elections. To do this, we must pay more attention to the needs and concerns of young people.