Concern about austerity measures
Social workers warn of a shift to the right in youth centers
April 26, 2024, 5:24 a.m
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According to a survey, the AfD is the strongest force among 14 to 29 year olds. A clear alarm signal for social workers. They are calling for more financial support for youth associations and centers. If this does not happen, right-wing groups could occupy the fields.
In view of the shift to the right among young people identified in a study, social workers are warning against austerity measures in youth work. “The municipalities are currently massively reducing youth work. That is fatal,” said the chairman of the German Society for Social Work, Christian Spatscheck. There is a need for a comprehensive range of youth centers and associations. “Where youth centers close, there are right-wing groups that take over the field.”
According to a survey published on Tuesday for the “Youth in Germany 2024” study, the AfD is the strongest force among 14 to 29 year olds. At 22 percent, the potential share of voters was twice as high as two years ago. Spatscheck went on to say that this sheer number surprised him. But it remains to be seen whether this is just a flash in the pan.
One thing is clear: “Youth have been lost in politics.” This wasn’t just evident during Corona. In view of inflation and the housing shortage, many young people are also afraid that they will be worse off later than their parents and grandparents. The German Society for Social Work is meeting in Jena on Friday for its annual meeting.