Interview series
For the 21-year-old Benjamin Körner, the climate crisis is the topic of this year’s general election. During the “Unmute Now” campaign in Cologne, he told how the problem could be solved and which issues the mainstream parties should tackle more intensely.
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. The team meets Benjamin Körner in Cologne. For the 21-year-old political student, it is the first federal election in which he can also cast his vote. He is also running for the “Volt” party in the Bundestag.
Are you going to vote on September 26th?
Benjamin: Yes, I will vote because it is important that the younger generation have a say in future issues. Issues such as climate protection are decided today, but will primarily affect our generation in the future.
What is the most important topic for you when choosing?
That is clearly the climate policy. We must finally tackle the crisis together on a European level; we will not get this global problem under control if we go it alone on a national level.
Are your interests represented by the established parties?
Barely. In my opinion, this is due to the fact that there are a lot of older voters anyway. We should lower the voting age to 16 to reduce this imbalance.
How do you perceive the election campaign so far?
I think it’s a shame that there is far too much argument about people and little things and too little about content. I am involved with the pan-European Volt party because it has open and transparent structures in which everyone can contribute directly and, for example, work on the program. Anyone can join the discussion via a free platform. It’s straightforward and motivating because you can see your own effectiveness. You get the feeling that personal commitment is worthwhile and appreciated.
What does the new federal government have to do first?
Earlier coal stop by 2030 and a socially fair CO2 tax.
Many young people feel neglected by politics. What do you think is that?
Politics simply does not provide the topics that interest us young people, such as climate, digital education, broadband expansion. Obviously, this will require new parties.
What would have to change so that more young people get involved in politics?
The political parties have to adapt their offer and their appearance. We at Volt reacted to the new Rezo video within a very short time, but the much discussed response video by Philipp Amthor is still kept under lock and key.
Are you afraid of the future?
I am an optimistic person, but I also see the real challenges. If we don’t act now on the climate, it will be too late.
What do you wish for the future?
I wish for a modern, digitized and climate-friendly future that will bring all Europeans with us in solidarity.
What would you like to say to the next Federal Chancellor, if you could?
I would tell him or her that the future is Europe. Only together as a united Europe can we meet the challenges that lie before us.
Note: As part of the “Unmute Now” bus tour, external moderators ask young people the most important questions about the federal election in 2021. The star publishes the interview series.
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