Denmark’s culture of youth activism

The International
Sep 18
3 min read

Kalpita Bhosale analyses the roots and impact of youth political participation in Denmark,

focusing on how young people remain central in shaping the country’s democratic life.

Photographs: Various

Young people are often stereotyped as apathetic about politics and the news; however, Denmark has a long and rich history of youth activism. Young people have got involved in a range of ways, joining political youth wings and youth parliaments, campaigning in student-led movements and participating in marches and protests. Their activism has helped shape history and continues to do so. But where does this culture come from?

A culture of participation

There is high trust here in the political system. This is complemented by strong civic education in schools and free access to quality education and healthcare. It all helps to create a culture where young people want to participate and are taken seriously. Schools also encourage free expression and political engagement through the formal curriculum and other school-based activities.

Participation in elections

Voter turnout amongst young people can be low in many countries, but in Denmark it is very high. In the 2022 national elections, around 85% of 18-year-olds and 76% of 19-29-year-olds voted. Even in the most recent local elections, which tend to have a lower turnout, more than 58% of 18–21-year-olds participated. In the UK, less than half of 18-24-year-olds vote. In the US, the figure is around 50-60%.

Political party youth wings

Danish political parties actively encourage young people to sign up as members. Most have youth wings that welcome young people from around 12 years old. Internationals are welcomed and Danish is not essential but beneficial. Many well-known politicians started their careers in youth wings. Former Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen (Venstre) and Alex Vanopslagh, leader of Liberal Alliance, both chaired their parties’ youth wings.

Youth wings offer many opportunities to shape politics and develop leadership skills. “I help shape our political strategy and support our local branches,” says Jesper Dyhrberg, Political Leader of the Socialist People’s Party Youth Wing. He joined the party aged 14. “I thought the best way to make a difference was to become part of the system and work for change from the inside,” he says.

Ida Veicherts chairs the Copenhagen association of Liberal Alliance Youth. She joined aged of 13. “Being chairman really helps me grow both personally and professionally,” she says. She lists the leadership skills she’s developed, including coordinating members and event management.

Young people don’t have to be aspiring leaders: being a member also gives many opportunities, such as participating in summer camps, training sessions, campaigns and even real elections.

Civic organisations and government programmes

Many young people join local youth councils and NGOs. The Danish Youth Council (DUF) brings together around 80 youth organisations and supports projects through government funding. This includes the national Youth Parliament, where 8th and 9th-graders debate issues and can propose ideas to Members of Parliament. It is a very popular way for young people to gain first-hand experience of the political system. Local councils also welcome youth representatives in many areas.

Informal youth activism in Denmark

Many young people here get involved in informal activism, attending protests and marches, participating in online campaigns and contributing to creative projects. They take a stand on what matters to them most, for example, climate issues, equality, mental health, education, and refugee rights.

Youth climate action has had a significant impact here recently, for example, Fridays for Future Denmark and the Green Student Movement. Young people in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense have led protests demanding more ambitious climate laws. Their activism has contributed to raising the profile of climate issues and changing national policy.

Such activism is not new. The Copenhagen Ungdomshuset Movement began in the 1980s from an unoccupied building that became a cultural hub for left-wing music, art and political activism. When the city sold the building in 2006, it sparked major protests and riots, leading to a national debate on youth spaces and state violence. Today, the movement is a symbol of youth autonomy, anti-capitalist resistance and protest rights. The Ungdomshuset now has a new home in the city’s Nordvest district.

Youth activism is entwined in the history of Denmark: young people’s passion and political actions have created significant change. The country’s future is in their very capable hands.