Young reformers
Spain’s youngsters are highly critical of the establishment, but they want to see its institutions improved, rather than abolished altogether
Spanish authorities can no longer claim they are unaware of young people’s strong desire to see change in this country, and make its political system efficient once more.
In contrast with reiterated messages of despair, talks of a “lost generation” and blanket condemnations of the existing state of affairs, a Metroscopia study for EL PAÍS depicts a generation that is anxious to modernize and redress institutions without getting rid of them altogether, in line with the low levels of social conflict seen in the country and the majority’s adherence to democratic, middle-of-the-road political beliefs.
Any projected solution to these issues has to address the widespread criticism that the survey reflects: 83 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds feel that their country does not concern itself with the needs of young people, and 64 percent feel that their living standards will be lower than those of their parents. A significant majority trusts in the current democratic system (though not in its leaders) and in business (though not in speculative finance).
The fact that some youngsters would have rather been born in the US speaks volumes about their pessimism
At the same time, youths expressed what they would like to see: not the kind of leaders we have today, but people with the leadership skills of an Adolfo Suárez (the man who guided Spain from Franco’s regime to democracy) or a Felipe González (a long-serving Socialist who brought Spain into the EU). Few of the respondents actually had personal knowledge of either politician while in power, but their elders have conveyed a positive image of them.
It is also worth remembering that two-thirds of respondents believe that without King Juan Carlos there would have been no democratic transition, and that he will hand over the crown to his son Felipe in a normal, peaceful manner when the time comes.
Some values are deeply embedded in today’s youth: pro-European attitudes, the Spain brand, the current state structure of regional governments with a high degree of self-rule... Young people also feel a need for greater transparency and for elected officials to lead by example. They do not want an alternative economic system but are demanding more political oversight of the existing one, which has been allowed too much freedom and has come too close to chaos.
The fact that some Spanish youths would have rather been born in the United States, Germany, Britain, France, Switzerland or a Scandinavian country speaks volumes about their pessimistic views of Spain. But it also shows a lack of fear of the outside world: a third of them consider emigration an option, much as their grandparents did. But today’s youths are less fearful because they have a better education and a more open mind.
The bulk of Spain’s young generation does not feel condemned, nor does it feel that all is lost. They want the system to solve existing problems, including the issue of the aging population, which means that a shrinking pool of workers will have to pay for a growing group of retired folks.
But the foremost issue on the agenda right now is to restore the political climate, which includes respect for plurality of views, negotiation and deal-making, which has been lost over the last few decades thanks to constant infighting.
