ABTTF President: “Politicians and those in positions of responsibility and authority at both national and EU level must consider the serious concerns of youth about democracy and urgently take the necessary steps to change the current situation in a positive direction’’.
Young people were asked for their views in a Eurobarometer public opinion survey on the challenges facing the EU and the EU’s priorities, conducted by the European Commission in 27 EU Member States.
According to the survey, one in four young people in Greece believe that a lack of trust in public institutions and a decline in tolerance and respect in society are among the most serious threats to democracy in the EU.
Moreover, in Greece, 28% of young people indicated that they would like to see strengthened policies on human rights and democracy in the EU in the next five years.
“The results of the Eurobarometer public opinion survey are important in terms of showing the effects of the negative developments in Greece in recent years regarding human rights, democracy and the rule of law on the opinions of our youth. The successive legal scandals in our country have led to a significant decrease in trust in official institutions among our youth. Reports of international organisations and international non-governmental organisations stipulate that democracy has been seriously damaged in our country in recent years, the rule of law has been systematically violated, and the judiciary has been politicised. Those in positions of responsibility and authority at both national and EU level, in particular politicians, must consider the serious concerns of our youth about democracy and take urgent steps to change the current situation in a positive direction”, said Halit Habip Oğlu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF).
*Image: www.anadoluimages.com
