❌ 💔 The issue of the Istanbul Convention in recent days has shown just how quickly dialogue can give way to aggression – both within society and amongst politicians.
✍️ The way MPs communicated in committees and during the Saeima sitting was not a model lesson in democracy – rather, a dangerous warning to society. Now is the time for each of us to look in the mirror and ask an uncomfortable question: do we really want to win the debate, or just to crush the other side?
🙄 About us – young people. In recent days we’ve heard: “Don’t you realise what you’re getting yourselves into?”. No. Young people aren’t a label. 16-year-olds, secondary school pupils, and even those younger or older, are capable of weighing up priorities, understanding documents and standing up for their views – often more accurately than trolls and “armchair commentators”. We are a significant part of society, not mere window dressing. Young people want to express their views and be part of civil society today, not in the future – in 5, 10 or 20 years’ time.
🔎 Truth > distortions. Both decision-makers and the public must disseminate accurate information, not myths and manipulation. Citing sources shows respect for one’s conversation partner.
✅ What does democracy require?
🔵 Respectful, equal treatment, not labelling or personal attacks.
🔵 Meaningful dialogue, not power plays and steamrolling.
🔵 Participation across all generations – young people are fellow citizens, not spectators.
🔵 Transparency regarding the process and its consequences – clear criteria, understandable accountability.
🔵 Accurate information and media literacy – verifiable facts, not trolls’ ‘narratives’.
🤝 ‘Time for Young People’ respects every young person’s reasoned opinion (regardless of whether ‘for’ or ‘against’) and supports any civic activity based on self-imposed norms, the values of the Constitution, human rights and the principles of European integration. Suppressing opinions – through procedures, calls to action or hashtags – is unacceptable.
Latvian Youth Council (LJP)Youth AffairsAgency for International Youth Programmes@most active fansDace MelbārdeMinistry of Education and ScienceLatvian Platform for Development Cooperation – LAPAS, Bauska District Rural Partnership, Latvian Civic Alliance, Zemgale NGO Centre