The upcoming European Parliament elections are set to welcome a new generation of young candidates, reshaping the landscape of lawmakers. Among them are individuals from diverse backgrounds and political affiliations, representing the voices of Gen Z. Only a few MEPs under 30 currently serve in the Parliament, but this is expected to change with the arrival of a new wave of elected representatives in June. Euronews selected a handful of candidates to showcase their unique political journeys and priorities.
Maylis Roßberg, a 24-year-old activist from Germany, represents the South Schleswig Voters’ Association and advocates for minority rights and democratic representation. Born into a Danish minority family, her early exposure to politics through slam poetry ignited her passion for activism. Despite initial hesitations, she embraced the role of Spitzenkandidat alongside prominent political figures, aiming to inspire other young women and minorities to have a voice in politics.
Sebastião Bugalho, a 28-year-old political commentator from Portugal, has made a name for himself through his conservative viewpoints and media appearances. Coming from a family of journalists, he established himself as an influential figure in the Portuguese media landscape. Known for his controversial yet captivating commentary, Bugalho is determined to appeal to all generations through his political campaign, focusing on pro-European values and economic growth.
Nina Skočak, a 26-year-old influencer from Croatia, combines her passion for makeup and vintage fashion with a deep understanding of European politics. With a master’s degree in European politics, she became a social media sensation, educating her followers on European institutions and advocating for youth representation in politics. Despite facing challenges as an independent candidate, Skočak remains committed to bringing innovation and inclusivity to the political sphere.
Jordan Bardella, a 28-year-old politician from France, has risen through the ranks of the far-right National Rally party, leveraging social media platforms like TikTok to reach a younger audience. Known for his strong stance on security and immigration issues, Bardella aims to engage depoliticized youth through digital platforms and break traditional barriers in political discourse.
Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, a 26-year-old MEP from Denmark, made history as the youngest ever Member of the European Parliament elected at the age of 21. Despite facing criticism for her lack of experience, she has emerged as a key player in economic and finance policy discussions. Committed to climate action, feminism, and solidarity, Peter-Hansen continues to advocate for progressive policies and youth representation in politics.
The representation gap of young people in the European Parliament remains a pressing issue, with only a few MEPs under 30 currently serving. Efforts are being made to address this gap by recruiting more young candidates and lowering the candidacy age in some countries. Young politicians like Roßberg, Bugalho, Skočak, Bardella, and Peter-Hansen play a crucial role in bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the forefront of European politics, addressing key challenges faced by the younger generation. As the political landscape evolves, the voices of these young candidates are essential in shaping policies that will impact future generations.
