Anyone who announces intergenerational justice must also deliver!

The German Federal Youth Council congratulates Sven-Olaf Obst on his new role and assures him of constructive cooperation. At the same time, we would like to emphasise that youth must remain an independent topic within the BMBFSFJ.

After all, young people are an independent phase of life - with their own needs, perspectives and expectations of politics. These differ significantly from those of older generations. For this reason, the Federal Youth Council continues to argue in favour of an independent "Children and Youth" department within the BMBFSFJ. This is not an obstacle, but the basis for intergenerational justice. If the perspectives of young people are to be strengthened, this should also be reflected within the administrative structure of the ministry.

A strong youth policy needs clear responsibilities, expertise, room for manoeuvre and visibility within and outside the ministry. Youth policy must not be negotiated "on the side" or watered down - it must be organised independently and in a future-oriented manner.

We expect the BMBFSFJ to take this claim seriously and consistently consider the perspectives of young people - in the interests of the younger generation. In particular, we hold the management level of the Ministry of Youth to account: anyone who takes intergenerational justice seriously must also and especially act in the interests of young people. To this end, we expect at least a consistent implementation of the promises to the younger generation enshrined in the coalition agreement. After all, young people have been affected by current political decisions for the longest time, but are fewer in number than older people and are still not given the same opportunities for democratic participation.