Most political leaders are older people, but some argue that younger people should be given more positions in government. I largely agree with this view, although experience should still be valued.
The first reason is representation. Young people make up a large part of the population, yet they have few voices in parliament, so their concerns, such as housing costs, education fees and climate change, may receive less attention. Younger politicians understand these issues from personal experience and are more likely to propose practical solutions. They are also generally more familiar with new technology, which is increasingly important for areas such as digital services, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, young leaders often bring energy and fresh ideas and are less attached to outdated methods. Examples such as New Zealand's former prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who took office in her thirties, show that younger people can lead effectively. Having them in government also inspires others of their age to take an interest in politics and to vote.
On the other hand, experience matters. Older politicians have usually spent decades dealing with complex issues, building relationships and learning from mistakes, and these skills are valuable in negotiating, managing crises and understanding the long-term effects of policy. Inexperienced leaders may make errors that cost the country dearly.
The ideal solution is therefore balance. Parties should recruit and promote talented young people, perhaps by encouraging youth wings and mentoring programmes, while keeping experienced figures as advisers.
In conclusion, increasing the number of younger people in government would improve representation and bring fresh thinking, provided that it is combined with the wisdom of experienced colleagues. For these reasons, I agree with the statement.