Youth political engagement faces challenges in Dominican Republic and Spain

Discussions regarding youth engagement in politics highlight a growing gap between young people and decision-making institutions in regions such as the Dominican Republic and Spain.

In the Dominican Republic, political apathy is often linked to a lack of trust. While young people express a desire to contribute, they frequently encounter broken electoral promises and a sense of exclusion. Many feel that personal connections and proximity to power are prioritized over demonstrated merit and capacity, leading to the perception that political participation is ineffective.

In Spain, particularly in the Canary Islands, the issue is framed as a lack of actual power rather than a lack of voice. While young people are vocal about concerns regarding housing, job precariousness, and economic uncertainty, they are often excluded from the tables where real decisions are made. This systemic exclusion forces many to seek opportunities elsewhere, as they struggle to build a stable present despite being labeled as the ‘future’ of society.