The aim of inviting the young representatives was to showcase the relevance of politics for younger demographics. Politics can sometimes feel far removed from the student experience, young people might feel like they don’t have a voice or that they are too “young” to be actively involved with political topics. However, by hosting a conversation with young representatives from the political parties, we showed that no matter what age you are, politics applies to everyone.The conversation also highlighted that we have to use our right to vote to ensure that our voices are heard.
By listening to the discussion, we hope that you gain a broader understanding of the stance the present political groups have, and are thereby then able to make a more informed decision during the upcoming election. Continue reading for some of the key take aways from the dialogue or listen to the full conversation here (held in both Swedish and English).
Key points for each question from each party:
The Tidö govermental parties will reduce the public transport prices by 50% between 1st of July to 31st of December in order to ease the financial burden on households due to the ongoing energy crisis and to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. What do you think about this?
All parties agreed that it was generally good decision. UV and GU argued for a permanent reduction in prices. CUF and LUF felt that it is a mis-prioritization as the main problem is trip frequency and lack of bus lines. MUF stated the view that it is good to be proactive in a crisis but that the main responsibility regarding this topic should lie with the regions and not the government
From April 1st this year to September 30th 2027, a temporarily reduced employer contribution applies to young adults (those born 2003-2007, i.e. those between 18-22 years old) so they can enter the labor market. Do you think this will have the effect you hope for, i.e. that more young people get jobs?
MUF and CUF think that it is good, but MUF points out that students older than 22 should be considered as well. CUF highlights that it isn’t enough and instead would like to see stronger collaboration between universities and the business sector in order to provide students with the relevant experiences and increase their chances of further employment. LUF agrees with this argument, but only for academic education. They in instead want to cut down on studies that don’t match the needs of the labour market, which thereby don’t lead to work. LUF generally agree that this proposition is good but that it does not solve the problem of the thresholds that exist for students to enter the labour market.
GU doesn’t think this will solve anything and instead wants to increase the security for unemployed people as well as increase the incentive to seek education. For example they want to reduce the working day to four hours, whereby studies would become more accessible as people would have the means and time to do so.
UV states that the reduced employer contribution for young adults may help slightly, but that a resulting consequence may then be the marginalization of other age groups. They state that unemployment is a major problem for everyone—with these tweaks only being a bandaid on a bigger wound; instead, the state needs to create more jobs while also reducing the workday to six hours.
On June 11th of this year, new rules will come into effect regarding the number of hours that international students with a residence permit for studies are allowed to work. The work limit is a maximum of 15 hours per week during semesters. If you work more than 15 hours, you risk having your residence permit revoked or it may affect the possibility of an extended residence permit – this in conjunction with increased costs for food and accommodation as well as already high semester fees and residence permit costs may make it more difficult for future international students to study in Sweden – what are your thoughts on this?
UV, LUF, CUF and GU all agree that the limitation will only make things more difficult for international students – they agree that anyone who wants to work should be able to work. MUF is the only party that believes that these measures carry good intentions, as the premiss of a student permit is to study and not work, and that these legislative changes will ensure that international students are not cheating the system by getting student permits instead of work permits.
Closing statements from each student party:
- CUF: Everyone should vote! No matter on who. There is way too many old people making decisions, so vote on the youth! More jobs, less emissions, the welfare system should work throughout the country!
- GU: 26% of unemployed young people who want to work, is too high! This needs to change.
- UV: Vote! We have a massive number of problems, the state should fix them! The market cannot fix them!
- LUF: Vote! Try to follow the election, don’t fall for the slogans but instead focus on the unsexy politics, that is what politics is about and where you can have an impact!
- MUF: It’s important to ask more questions and put politicians in their place – challenge them so they can develop. Get closer to your politicians!
Listen to the full conversation here. The conversation is mainly held in Swedish but questions concerning international students are held in English (jump to 51 min in for the conversation).
The Dialogue forum was organised and led by Eddie Bäck, Anam Basit and Rebecca Taylor, students in the masters programme Environmental Communication and Management at SLU with support from Mistra Environmental Communication.
