Martens Centre

Is it protest or policy? Why young Europeans are walking away from mainstream politics In this episode of the European View podcast, Sara Pini talks with Katerina Jakimovska and Mihael Koščak about their article: “Is it protest or policy? What are young people saying that mainstream parties refuse to hear?”. They explore why many young people either do not vote or choose far‑right parties, often as a protest vote driven by socioeconomic concerns such as housing, job security, income, pensions, and the situation of students and the unemployed. Young people feel they must attain what older generations already have, while carrying much of the burden in a society that has been in crisis mode for years. Many no longer believe that working hard will allow them to save for long‑term goals, which Katerina describes as an “apocalyptic scenario” in their minds