Young people in France are ditching local politics, and mayors are panicking. Just 4.7% of French mayors are now under-35-years-old, down from 12% two decades ago—a drop so dramatic that France’s mayors’ association launched an awareness campaign using social media influencers try to reverse the trend. France is now creating a special legal status for “student-elected officials” to make it easier for young people to serve. But the problem isn’t just lack of interest, though. Young people face real barriers like employers questioning whether they can balance a public role with their job, older mayors refusing to step aside, and a general skepticism about whether thirty somethings can handle government responsibility. Plus, many young people believe activism on social media, petitions, or advocacy groups are better ways to create change than traditional politics. (Le Monde)
👀 Read more from YPulse: Gen Z’s Political Leanings in U.K., France, Germany, Spain, and Italy
