The double crisis generation: Economic insecurity and political attitudes in Southern Europe

The generation born between 1985 and 1995 has the dubious privilege of being the only generation of the last century that will experience two Great Recessions in the course of their education and integration into the labour market. The perception of a lack of equal opportunity, dissatisfaction with democracy and preferences for greater redistribution of wealth are all keenly felt in the countries of Southern Europe.

The data reveals lower rates of employment, emancipation, home ownership, fertility and potential wealth than the previous generation. The crisis produced by the Covid-19 pandemic may further aggravate the situation. EsadeEcPol and Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom have conducted a research study to offer an in-depth analysis on the socio-economic situation of this generation in Southern Europe and the development of their political attitudes. We present proposals for specific policies to tackle these opportunity gaps to rebuild a pluralist, liberal democracy which is functional and useful for the new generations.