Mímir Kristjánsson raises concerns over youth work habits in Norway

Mímir Kristjánsson, a politician from the Red Party in Norway, has raised concerns about the current work habits of the youth, suggesting they need to take their career paths more seriously. In a recent discussion, he highlighted that while older individuals are often compelled to work, younger people are not utilizing their time effectively before entering the job market. He underscored the increasing age of the Norwegian population and cited a significant projected shortage of workers, with the government estimating a need for at least 150,000 additional workers by 2030.

Kristjánsson criticized the tendency of young individuals to delay their careers, often spending years unsure of their next steps. He noted that many students take time off after completing their secondary education, with about 20% having a gap of two years before starting higher education. As a result, many young adults between 20 and 29 are either unemployed or not in education, with half receiving some form of unemployment benefit.

He advocates for the introduction of a mandatory year after secondary school where youth gain experience through military or community service. Kristjánsson believes this would not only contribute to society but also provide valuable life experience, even if it isn’t directly related to their future career.

However, the proposal has sparked debate. Kaia Ingdal Hovdenak, the newly elected head of the Norwegian Student Organization, expressed her discontent, arguing that Kristjánsson undermines the value of higher education and promotes a system that prioritizes quick transitions over meaningful learning experiences. Simen Velle, leader of the Progress Party’s youth wing, concurs with Kristjánsson on the need for youth to enter the workforce earlier but is critical of the idea of a mandatory service year, calling it “authoritarian.” He stresses that not all paths lead to employment relevant to one’s studies, and therefore, government support should focus on areas with genuine labor shortages.