Ninth grader in Baden-Württemberg: Democracy crisis worries!

Ninth grader in Baden-Württemberg: Democracy crisis worries!

A current study commissioned by the Ministry of Culture in Baden-Württemberg shows an alarming development with regard to dissatisfaction among ninth graders with democracy. According to the investigation, which was carried out by the University of Stuttgart and over 2,000 students from different school types, only 27 percent of those surveyed are still satisfied with democracy. This represents a drastic decline compared to 47 percent two years ago. The survey took place between February and May 2024 and was carried out via an online questionnaire, which made a representative survey possible.

Another worrying trend is the sunken trust in politicians. According to the study, 87 percent of the students consider a democratic system to be good or very good, but a growing sympathy for authoritarian structures is evident: 42 percent of those surveyed would welcome a strong head of state who acts without parliament or elections. This is an increase of 30 percent two years ago. In addition, 53 percent explained that they would prefer if experts made decisions instead of a government. These tendencies raise questions and show a disturbing development in the political education of the young generation.

growing demands for influence

An encouraging result is the request of the students for more influence on political decisions. 78 percent of those surveyed expressed the desire to be directly involved in the political process, which is a significant increase compared to 65 percent in 2022. Minister of Culture Theresa Schopper described the results as "worrying" and plans to promote youth participation through the expansion of youth conferences in order to actively involve young people in the opinion -forming process.

This study is not to be considered isolated. An investigation by the Bertelsmann Foundation shows that confidence in democracy in younger Germans, especially between 18 and 30 years, is relatively stable overall, since 59 percent advocate them. In comparison, however, 52 percent of this age group have no confidence in the government and 45 percent suspicion the parliament. The distrust of politics is therefore widespread and contrasted with the trust that young people rely on education and science, where about 75 percent of the respondents classify these areas as trustworthy.

international comparison data

The context of these results is reinforced by an international comparison, in which Germany shows an ambivalent attitude towards democracy compared to nine other European countries. The average of trust in democracy is only 50 percent, while 57 percent of young Europeans of the European Union give trust. Experts warn that trust in democracy must not be played out and demand targeted measures to strengthen belief in the problem -solving ability of politics.

Overall, there is a picture of profound concerns and expectations among youth in Germany, which despite a fundamental desire for democracy is also open to alternative forms of government. The development is not only for the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Culture, but of all society, since it could have a lasting impact on the future political landscape and the turnout. It remains to be seen what the initiatives will look like to strengthen youth participation in practice and whether they can respond to the growing worries of the young generation.