Many young people feel politically misunderstood and unrepresented by the various governments. One month before they head to the polls, young people will have a chance to voice their political views and hopes at an event in Brussels.
A group of young people actively involved in civic engagement will take to the stage of the Royal Flemish Theatre in the heart of Brussels on Wednesday, just over a month before the federal, regional and European elections in Belgium. The gathering will give participants a chance to express their views.
"Several institutions, including Amnesty International and the Brussels universities, wanted a format for an event linked to the elections that could speak to my generation," explains Maïté Meeûs, founder of the social media account called “Balance ton bar” (created in the wake of women sharing testimonies of sexual assault and abuse).
The event starts with professor of political science Dave Sinardet who will clarify the fundamental principles of the Belgian electoral system. Meeûs explains that discussions with young people on university campuses make clear the need to explain this.
"Belgium's complex political system definitely intimidates young people, who see Belgium as an institutional lasagna," Meeûs told The Brussels Times. She highlights a failure to understand the Belgian system – especially on the question of competences (who is responsible for what). "As a result, there is also a huge difficulty in becoming an active participant in this system."
Contradicting levels of engagement
Historically, younger generations have a strong commitment to society and "making the world a better place". Significant demonstrations and movements spearheaded by young people are testament to this.
"We have a lot to say on a lot of subjects, whether it's precariousness, political participation, the fight against racism, climate justice, women's rights, minority rights and so on." On the other hand, it is a generation that is hardly represented politically. "Sometimes, these groups are completely invisible, even though their voice is extremely important."
Younger generations are often overlooked in party manifestos and Meeûs says that whilst there have been steps to address this, they have been largely superficial. "Young people are calling for a profound paradigm shift, a change in societal values, for the system to be reinvented," she said. "That goes much further than current proposals. Many young people feel politicians are not taking structural action."
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Meeûs will moderate the second part of the event, interviewing five young activists. "These five guests are really shaking things up in their field," Meeûs says.
This discussion will involve Estelle Depris, founder of the Instagram account "Sans Blanc de Rien", who will discuss racism and discrimination; Hassan Al Hilou, founder of Capital ASBL, a service that enables young people to reach their full potential; Adélaïde Charlier, co-founder of Youth for Climate; Victoriæ Defraigne, an activist who will share her views on LGBTQIA+ rights; and Christina De Witte (Chrostin), illustrator and feminist activist.
"These people are very representative of young people who are trying to make themselves heard," noted Meeûs. "With this event, we aim to create a connection between all these struggles, why highlighting them matters, and the importance of going out to vote on 9 June to reflect young people's concern in votes."
The event is free and will take place on 8 May at 19:30. It will be held in English to involve as many people as possible. Find more information and register here.
