While thousands of young people in some European countries are going out on the streets to oppose high costs of living, the housing crisis and problems in education, the situation is presented differently in Switzerland.
Experts say discontent exists even among young Swiss people, but the political system and opportunities for democratic participation influence the way they express their demands.
A wave of youth protests has included several European countries, including France, Italy, Belgium, Portugal and Albania, in recent days.
According to an analysis published by the Swiss media 20 Minuteen, the question is why these protests are not taking the same size in Switzerland, it transmits Telegragraphy.
In many lands, young people are opposing the increase in cost of living, the difficulties of finding affordable housing, social inequality, and a lack of prospects for the future.
According to protest researchers, however, the causes of discontent are similar in many countries, while the way institutions organize and react.
Why do young people in Switzerland not protest in the same way?
One of the explanations relates to the Swiss political system, which enables citizens to directly influence decision-making through popular initiatives and referenda.
Politologists estimate that these mechanisms create more opportunities to express demands through institutions, without ever having to turn discontent into major protests.
The Swiss federal system also offers citizens certain levels where they can address their concerns, from municipalities and cantons to federal authorities.
However, this does not mean that young people in Switzerland are satisfied with the situation. Even in this country, issues such as housing costs, climate change, and economic prospects have promoted demonstrations and civic movements.
According to researchers quoted in Swiss media reports, economic and social problems are among the main factors that are driving young people to protest.
Rising prices, high rents and concerns about the quality of education are creating dissatisfaction with a part of the new generation.
In some countries, protests have also taken political character, with demands for change in governance and stronger reactions to corruption.
Experts warn that when institutions do not respond to citizens’ demands, the protests could expand and continue for a longer period.
Protests in Switzerland are less violent, but not necessarily more rare
According to analyses published by the Swiss media, demonstrations in Switzerland generally take place more peacefully than in some other European countries.
This relates to political culture, democratic participation opportunities and the way authorities deal with public gatherings.
However, Switzerland is not exempt from protests. In recent years demonstrations have been organized on climate, working conditions, agriculture, and international developments.
So the main difference is not necessarily a lack of discontent, but the way it expresses itself and channels through which citizens try to influence politics.
As the wave of protests continues in Europe, it remains to be seen whether youth discontent will spur new mobilizations in Switzerland as well./Telegraphy/