Some people say that younger people are not suitable for important positions in
government while others think it is a good idea.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
I think that there are persuasive arguments in favour of having younger people in
important positions in government, thought I can see that there may be disadvantages.
In my opinion, many governments suffer from a lack of fresh ideas for policies. Part of
the problem seems to me to be that older members of the governments lack a vision of
how to handle modern, dynamic situations and have become too risk averse to try new
methods – or indeed any method outside of their comfort zone. Perhaps the addition of a
few younger political leaders could change that.
Younger politicians might also be better aware of the impact and uses of modern
technology. They are more likely to have ideas about enhancing technology for the
overall benefit of society. For example, many young people see how the information age
has brought about new possibilities. Often, it is young people who oppose artificial
restrictions imposed by a political elite with whom they feel disconnected.
The classic argument against having younger people in important political positions is
that they lack experience. As I become older, I find this argument less and less
convincing. When I was a teenager, Israelis and Palestinians were murdering each other.
They still are. All the 'experience' of leading politicians from around the globe has
pointedly failed to resolve this issue. Perhaps it's time to hand the baton to people with
less 'experience'.
Very often, it seems to me that 'experience' is actually code for 'baggage'. Older
politicians frequently seem to be unable to step back and look at issues in an objective,
dispassionate, less dogmatic manner. They often look to the past for inspiration. History
certainly has lessons to teach us, but do these people learn or are they simply doomed to
repeat?
To summarise, I am not convinced that the inexperience of young people precludes them
from holding high political office. In fact, it may be their greatest asset.