Federal Youth Session

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The Federal Youth Session is a Swiss political event for young people that takes place every autumn in Bern .

Emergence

On the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation in 1991, the Swiss Working Group of Youth Associations was commissioned to hold a one-off youth session. At the initiative of National Councilor Roland Wiederkehr , the event was repeated two years later. The event has taken place every year since then.

occasion

During four days, 200 young people between the ages of 14 and 21 from all over Switzerland have the opportunity to develop political demands on certain topics that were determined by online voting. They are supported by experts and the members of the organizing committee and the forum. Finally, the petitions and demands are presented to the plenary in the National Council chamber, discussed and voted on. The accepted petitions and demands are handed over to the President of the National Council and passed on to the parliamentary commissions. However, they are not obliged to respond to the claims. In addition to the political debates, a supporting program is offered, including a. a game night, discussions with politicians, a party etc.

Regional youth sessions

Between 1997 and 2005, in the run-up to the federal youth session, regional youth sessions were held in almost all cantons in order to reach more young people.

organization

The youth session is organized by the organizing committee and the forum. Both bodies consist of young volunteers between the ages of 16 and 25. The project is led by the Swiss Working Group of Youth Associations, which also has the main responsibility.

aims

The aim of the youth session is for young people to take responsibility for themselves and for society and to participate in a constructive and self-confident way. You will be introduced to the institutions and mechanisms of politics, make contacts with young people from other parts of the country and gain motivation for further commitment. In addition, the youth session draws attention to youth policy issues in the media.

criticism

The youth session has no particular influence on “big politics”, since every citizen of the country can launch a petition, which is why it is accused of being an “alibi exercise”. The demands ( petitions ) were often made before the youth session. In addition, it is criticized that the field of participants is always a little left-wing and the demands are accordingly often left-wing concerns. In the organizing committee and in the forum, however, volunteers with the most diverse political views are involved. In addition, despite the alleged left-leaning of the youth session, it was decided to reject the cannabis initiative (which was also rejected at the ballot box in 2008).

Forum

The Youth Session Forum was founded in 2001 in order to emphasize the political concerns after the youth session. This also consists of around 10 teenagers and young adults. For this task, the forum often works with various bodies, institutions and politicians. This gives the youth a political voice that is not party-dependent. Members of the forum can also be found in the Federal Palace and the foyer during the parliamentary sessions ; there they can best bring the concerns of the youth session into national politics.

See also

Web links