Felix Pettersson, 18, from Halmstad, and Vera Gustafsson, 20, from Strömstad, are running for parliament for the Centre Party and Moderates respectively. They aim to boost youth representation in politics, where young people are severely underrepresented. Social Democrat Aida Birinxhiku, 26, already serves in parliament and stresses the value of young perspectives.
Felix Pettersson, 18 and a high school student in Halmstad, tops the Centre Party list in Halland for both parliament and region. He chairs Cuf in the district and is fifth on the list. "It's a democratic problem. We young people get to vote, so we're making decisions that way. Of course we should also be represented," he says.
Vera Gustafsson, 20 from Strömstad, is fourth on the Moderates' parliamentary list in northern Västra Götaland. She is doing military service as a combat vehicle commander and emphasizes freedom with responsibility. "It's very sad to hear [about missed climate targets], especially as a young person. It's our future," she says on climate.
Aida Birinxhiku, 26 from Falkenberg, was elected one of parliament's youngest in 2022. She serves on the EU Affairs Committee and criticizes polarized debate tones. "I don't believe all young people want to be influencers or stock traders," she says about youth engagement.
Young people are underrepresented: only 2.5 percent of municipal politicians elected in 2022 were under 25, even fewer in regions and parliament. Mucf Director-General Magnus Jäderskog highlights representation's importance for democracy. All three call for better youth conditions, like public transport and housing.
