This is a great first in the Flat Country. This Sunday, all Belgian citizens aged 16 and over must go to the polls for the European elections. Since a law of December 2023, young people aged 16 and 17 have the right to participate in this election. In a decision rendered in March, the Constitutional Court even considered that, as for adults, it was an obligation.
For its part, the government wants to show flexibility. Unlike older people, who can face fines if they do not go through the voting booth on Sunday – as well as in all elections – those under 18 will not be penalized in the event of abstention, in accordance with a circular from the Minister of Justice.
Seduce young people
As in many other countries, first-time voters are very courted by political parties. But 16-22 year olds often admit to being “deprived” and “not informed enough”. “In Belgium, young people do not wonder if they are going to vote, since it is obligatory. Their question is rather to know for whom” explained to Le Parisien a member of the Belgian representation in the EU on the occasion of Europe Day on May 9.
Polls showed that some still intended their votes for the far right. In Flanders (northern Belgium), the far-right Vlaams Belang party topped the voting intentions among young men – while young girls largely turned away from it. In Wallonia, it is rather the ecologists and the radical left who obtain the favor of young people.
On the other hand, citizens aged 16 and 17 cannot participate in the other ballots which are being held this June 9 in Belgium: the renewal of deputies, senators as well as representatives of the Brussels regional Parliament.
Belgians are not the only ones to vote for Europeans from the age of 16. This is also the case in Germany, Malta and Austria, where the voting age for all elections was lowered in 2007.
