LettersIf older means wiser, why’s the world in such a mess? Let youth into global politics
- Legislators in parliaments around the world are, on average, older than the people they represent. Disenchantment of younger voters doesn’t mean they don’t care
The average age of Hong Kong’s lawmakers sworn in after the last Legislative Council election was 49, making it the youngest chamber since the handover in 1997. The average age of legislators in the British and French parliaments is 50 years and 49 years, respectively.
In the German Bundestag, 51.5 per cent are in the 45-to-59 age range, a group that makes up only 28.4 per cent of the eligible voting population. Only 13 German members of parliament are under 30.
Can nations without proportional representation of stakeholders call themselves true democracies?
Leaders are elected on the assumption they will be responsible and rational, and prioritise societal welfare to work towards what is best for future generations.
But in reality, many of the older parliamentarians prefer the status quo, resulting in policies being driven by vested interests rather than the greater good. Holding onto power at any cost takes priority over doing the right thing.