YOUTH 2020 - The position of young people in Slovenia

192 demonstrate circumstances that create good preconditions for political participation. • Young people in Slovenia believe that, in general, politicians do not concern themselves with popular opinions and that an ordi- nary individual has no influence on the authorities’ actions. This means that, as a result, people’s political effectiveness in such a system is limited, which also negatively affects their political participation. • The results of the youth survey show that distrust among young people towards various political institutions and politics in gen- eral is very low both when it comes to key holders of political power (i.e., the President, the Prime Minister, the President of the National Assembly) and ordinary politicians. In the case of politi- cal parties, the level of mistrust is even lower. • Turnout is low among young people, especially when it comes to European Parliament elections. Of particular concern is the fact that other forms of participation in institutional policy are ex- tremely low (e.g. running for political office, participation in par- ty activities, etc.). • Petitions are one of the most conventional forms of political par- ticipation, also widespread among today’s youth. As many as 43.6% of respondents have already signed a petition either physi- cally or online. • More than half of young people believe that they have or have al- ready participated in non-violent demonstrations or protests. They are similarly willing to participate in the activities of protest movements either in person or online. • Young people’s readiness for and actual participation in various activities within civil society organizations is at a very high level. • Ten years after the last survey, young people feel politically com- petent, are more inclined to communicate with politicians, show a greater general interest in politics, and also sign various peti- tions more often.