Interview series
The 20-year-old Ali Caner Özatakus does not feel he has heard from politics – and asks himself which party stands up for the workers in society. What he wanted, he told the “Unmute Now” campaign in Frankfurt.
The climate is going down the drain. Corona has closed the universities. And we all no longer get a pension anyway. Shortly before the general election, many young people feel they have been left alone by politics. Their perspectives and interests hardly take place in the election campaign. The “” campaign by the non-profit organization “” aims to make them heard.
The “Unmute Now” team has been traveling across Germany in a bus since August 23, 2021. Her goal: to get into conversation with young people and make their voices visible. In Mannheim, the team meets the photographer from the exhibition by Kosmos eV, which wants to improve local integration. Ali Caner Özatakus is 20 years old and is studying mechanical engineering.
Are you going to vote in September?
But: No, because there is no party that meets my requirements. Even if I did vote, I think I won’t be heard. The only party that could be considered is against the motor vehicle. But I love the car, I love engines, diesel and gasoline. I am talking about the Greens.
What is the most important topic for you when choosing?
Equality between men and women is very important to me. I have a younger sister and I want her to earn as much as I do in the same job. As a mechanical engineering student, I don’t like the debate about renewable energies. I think electric cars will do well for the next five to ten years. After that no more, because the calculation will not work out. We have 1.3 billion cars in this world. How do you want to get rid of them in one fell swoop?
Do you feel represented by the established parties?
It is always said that the SPD is the workers’ party. My father and grandparents have to work so much – my grandma even had to retire earlier because it made her sick. I cannot ignore the fact that they are being ignored by politics. Not everyone lasts until 65 and not everyone is financially well, but these people are not seen. At school we had a boy from Syria. He was top in every subject, but was transferred from grammar school to secondary school because of his knowledge of German. We have to worry about that.
What would have to happen to make you feel picked up by a party?
Subcultures need more attention. On Youtube and on the streets I see Arab clans, Turkish clans, Lebanese. They should be listened to more. These people want to make money, build a good life, and perform. But they cannot do that because they lack integration. Then they make money illegally. It goes through several generations. I see on youtube and sterntv the knights families. They live in the social hotspot and all of Germany persecutes this family. Why is nobody doing anything? Why is no one helping them?
How do you perceive the election campaign so far?
Partly ridiculous and funny. Christian Lindner tries as a model.
What does the new federal government have to do first?
First of all, they should really look at their environment. Pay less attention to money, listen to people and ask what’s going on in Frankfurt, what problems do people have here? And don’t forget under any circumstances! Often politicians come, listen to our problems, write them down and then forget about us again.
Are you afraid or are you hoping for the future?
More like fear because I don’t know where it’s going. I want financial and, above all, psychological security. I’m just scared that all my work will make my parents sick. As an employee, you make yourself dependent on other people. Personally, addiction scares me. I am not a person who works for other people’s dreams. I want to work for my dreams and my dreams are very far from other people’s dreams.
What would you like to say to the next Federal Chancellor?
Listen to your people. I had nothing. My parents made everything possible for me through hard work. Politicians should stop thinking about profit. I am glad that I live in a country where you can decide whether to vote or not. Where I can express my dislike of politicians without going to jail.
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