The open discussion on the topic “Increasing Interaction between Young Voters and Youth Representatives” took place within the framework of the “Progressive Politics in Western Balkans (PROGWeB)” program, which brings together social democrats and liberals from the 6 Western Balkan countries (BP6) in a political academy. Part of this program is the implementation of national projects from each of the BP6 countries.
The main objective of this national project is to increase the knowledge of young voters about the profiles and work carried out by youth representatives in the Municipal Council, as well as to promote the creation of bridges of cooperation between the two interest groups. The activity was organized on October 5, 2022 at the premises of the Municipality of Tirana with the participation of young voters and young politicians operating in this Municipal Council.
Members of the group representing Albania in PROGWeB gave an opening speech at the beginning of the activity, introducing the idea behind the Regional Academy, as well as the purpose of the Albanian national project, inviting young people to apply for the next PROGWeB activities.
Both interest groups came together and young voters had the opportunity to get to know their representatives better and on the other hand young politicians had the opportunity to understand the needs of young people more closely. Young politicians operating in this municipal council of the Municipality of Tirana presented their work and young people raised questions on the implementation of work related to youth issues as long as the present council members have held this position.
During the open discussion, both sides stated that young people do not feel sufficiently represented in politics and that both sides need to do more to increase cooperation between each other. The members of the Municipal Council gave the message that by having the right information about youth representatives in politics, young people will have more opportunities to vote for the right people, ensuring that their vote does not go to waste.
