Swiss youth debate whether protests are justified

Young people at Switzerland’s 2026 Youth Session in Bern expressed mixed views on protests sweeping Europe, while voicing concerns about their own futures, SRF reported.

Across Europe, young people are taking to the streets, protesting over uncertain job prospects, poor education and the high cost of living. Demonstrations have been both peaceful and violent. Protests and unrest have also occurred in Zurich and Basel, and a large youth strike is planned for late November.

Many participants in Bern said conditions in Switzerland differ from those in neighbouring countries. “I think Switzerland is one of the best places to live, so I don’t necessarily see a reason for protests here,” said Aleks Sosnovski, 16. Samwel Shahadat, 17, said protests were possible in Switzerland but “not as justified as in France or Italy.”

Lukas Frey, 18, cautioned against describing young people as angry, saying political polarisation was growing and extremist parties were becoming louder. He said he wanted to seek constructive solutions. Emilia Mirovska, 20, president of the Young Centre Party in Basel, said young people should speak up, but that unauthorised demonstrations and violent unrest were counterproductive because they could push other generations further away.

Giulia Bucheli, 19, of the Young Greens, helps organise the Youth Session and said she did not feel understood by politicians. She argued that young people should demonstrate even if they are privileged. “You can also be angry on behalf of other people,” she said, adding that climate change would affect everyone.

Participants also raised concerns about climate change, artificial intelligence, an ageing population, changing career prospects and international conflicts. Pro Juventute says around a third of young people are not optimistic about the future. Lulzana Musliu, the organisation’s head of policy and media, said it also sees concerns in Switzerland about career prospects, finances and the housing market.

During the four-day session, participants develop proposed solutions to political problems and present their demands to Stefan Engler, president of the Council of States, in a symbolic handover. Whether the proposals are adopted depends on politicians. The Youth Session has been held for 35 years, and its demands have led to a parliamentary motion on nine occasions.