Mega motivated

By Pascal SteinwachsLex Kleren Switch to German for original article

The spokespersons of the Young Greens, Tanja Duprez and Joël Back, are the same age as "déi jonk gréng", namely 25. They are optimistic about the future.

Joël Back was confirmed as co-spokesperson at the annual general meeting of the "jonk gréng" in March, while Tanja Duprez was elected as the new co-spokesperson of the Young Greens, which has around 130 members. Both were already candidates in the elections despite their still young age: The political scientist Duprez, who works in Cologne, in the European and in the legislative elections, Back, who studies in Trier, in the municipal and in the parliamentary elections.

The interview took place last Thursday in the premises of the "déi gréng" faction.

Lëtzebuerger Journal: If you look at the website of the "jonk gréng", they have been quite busy in recent years. For example, you can find a 32-page manifesto in the context of the last parliamentary elections. Nevertheless, one hears rather little from your organization.

Tanja Duprez: I wouldn't say that. We are particularly active on social media, where we recently launched a campaign about the importance of mental health, for example.

Joël Back: Also, last year, shortly after the first lockdown, we had prepared a ten-page working paper for "Eng Welt no Covid-19" …

… but little was heard of it either.

JB: Some press organs have reported on it.

How is the youth doing in the crisis?

JB: It's clear that society as a whole, and young people in particular, are not doing well, since they can't see their friends and have to give up leisure activities, which also affects their mental health. That's why it's even more important that mental health is taken just as seriously as physical health, including in schools where, following the example of examinations by the school doctor, compulsory consultations with the school psychologist should be introduced.

TD: One really looks forward to being able to meet again, since all our meetings still only take place on a digital level …

… which brings us to the question of how you personally are doing in the crisis?

TD: I work in Cologne and finally want to go out and meet people again.

And what do you miss the most?

TD: Drinking a cocktail on a terrace (laughs) …

JB: … whereas the terraces in this country are filling up again. Also, in terms of vaccinations – and everything must be done to get as many people vaccinated as possible – Luxembourg seems to be on a good path to getting our normal lives back.

Isn't it unfair that many people are already vaccinated and will soon be able to travel and live relatively unrestricted again, while those under 30 who don't get vaccinated continue to live with restrictions?

TD: That intergenerational solidarity is essential, that could be seen in this crisis. What is important now is that everyone receives a vaccination offer. However, those who are already vaccinated should not get privileges until everyone in Luxembourg has received such an offer.

Privileges, however, they already have to some extent now.

TD: That's why the vaccination campaign should pick up speed, so that the young people also have more opportunities again.

You want more? Get access now.

  • One-year subscription

    €185.00
    /year
  • Monthly subscription

    €18.50
    /month
  • Zukunftsabo for subscribers under the age of 26

    €120.00
    /year

Mega motivated

€2.00
/article

Already have an account?

Log in