Lorraine Williamson
In a landmark move set to reshape Spanish democracy, the government has unveiled a new Youth Law that will grant voting rights to 16-year-olds, making Spain one of the few countries in Europe to formally lower the voting age. The legislation gives 16- and 17-year-olds not only the right to vote, but also a stronger voice in shaping the nation’s future.
If approved, it will mark the first time in Spain’s democratic history that teenagers are formally included in the electoral process—giving them not only a voice at the ballot box but also a say in shaping national policy.
What sets this legislation apart is not just its significance, but its origin. This is not a top-down policy imposed by politicians—it was co-designed with the very people it concerns.
Law written with, not for, young people
The law is the brainchild of Spain’s Ministry of Youth and Children, led by Sira Rego. Furthermore, it reflects a growing political awareness that young people deserve more than symbolic gestures. They were directly involved in drafting the legislation through nationwide consultations, regional forums, and working groups.
Rego described the process as “collective, democratic and transformative”—a deliberate antidote to the sense of alienation many young people feel toward traditional politics. From rural villages to urban youth hubs, teenagers came forward with their worries, ideas, and demands.
From anxiety to aspiration: What Spain’s youth want
Mental health emerged as a recurring concern. Teenagers spoke candidly about stress, burnout, and psychological strain—issues often intensified by academic pressure, social media, and future insecurity. Housing was another key theme. Many voiced frustration about the bleak prospect of ever affording a place of their own.
Exclusion, poverty, and a lack of safe, inclusive cultural spaces were also raised. According to Rego, these aren’t fringe concerns—they’re central to understanding modern Spain and what young people need to thrive.
Turning dialogue into action
Some proposals have already spurred concrete action. The Ministry is rolling out new mental health initiatives and developing campaigns to counter online hate. Plans are also in motion to expand formal youth participation structures, enabling teenagers to engage with politics beyond voting.
Perhaps most significantly, the government is moving toward introducing a universal child benefit—a step aimed squarely at tackling child poverty.
The legislation also recognises Spain’s geographical inequalities. Tailored policies will reflect the different realities faced by young people in cities versus rural areas, ensuring no one is left behind.
A democratic vote of confidence
“This law is not ours—it belongs to you,” Rego declared at a press conference unveiling the bill. Her message was clear: this is not merely another policy on paper, but a powerful act of trust in Spain’s younger generation.
By lowering the voting age to 16, Spain joins countries like Austria and Scotland in giving teenagers a political voice—at a time when trust in institutions is low and many young people feel sidelined.
A bold experiment
If passed in the coming months, the Youth Law could be in place in time for the next national or European elections—offering Spain’s teens not just their first taste of political power, but a seat at the democratic table.
It’s a bold experiment in civic trust—and one that could shift the political conversation for decades to come.
Sources: ELPAÍS, Europapress