Gabriel Attal’s appointment as the Prime Minister of France has made headlines in the last few days, drawing attention to his youth and his identity as the first openly LGBTQI+ person to hold the office. While this is a significant step towards inclusivity and representation, it also poses a formidable challenge, similar to what Leo Varadkar in Ireland and Xavier Bettel in Luxembourg faced.
Like Attal, many young politicians will face similar challenges in the future. Parties across Europe are in a decline of membership and are keen to put young, fresh faces to engage with a cynical European electorate tired of the same old political faces. We looked at examples of other young politicians who have survived such prejudices and mapped out a short list of practical tips for those young political professionals in similar positions.
Sanna Marin – Finland
Sanna Marin became the world’s youngest sitting prime minister at 34. She faced criticism due to her age especially due to her posts on social media where she candidly portrayed her life among friends and family. Despite her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was mostly scrutinised because of an incident where she held a private party and was seen dancing among friends.
Alongside age, gender dynamics added another layer to the discussion. Marin’s appointment stirred debates about the role of women in politics, with some questioning whether she was just a facade politician or a poster for the progressive front. Media often focused on her marital life which ultimately led to her filing for divorce.
In interviews and public appearances, Marin addressed the age-related scepticism head-on. She emphasised her years of political experience, having risen through the ranks of the Social Democratic Party and served in various ministerial positions before assuming the role of Prime Minister. Yet, this was also seen as defensive and was not well received by voters who punished her party in the 2023 ballot.
In late 2023, Marin stepped down as chair of her party and exited politics to join the Blair Foundation as a special counsellor. This might be seen as if the media managed to get under Marin’s skin. However, Marin managed to obtain a supportive team that mitigated the constant unfair media coverage and allowed her to focus on her job as Prime Minister.
Xavier Bettel – Luxembourg
Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister since 2013, faced challenges not only for his youth but also for being the first openly gay EU leader. The press, both domestically and internationally, focused a great deal on his relationship with Gauthier Destenay. Luxembourg, a predominantly Catholic country, faced a paradigm shift in leadership, and questions about Bettel’s age and sexuality permeated public discourse. Concerns were raised about how this would impact the nation’s image and how Bettel would navigate the societal expectations placed on a leader.
Rather than shying away from his personal life, Bettel embraced transparency, acknowledging his relationship with Gauthier Destenay openly. He attempted to normalise the idea that a leader’s effectiveness is not determined by their sexual orientation. Bettel focuses on governance topics dismissing questions on his personal life in interviews. He redirected the narrative away from age and sexuality, showcasing that leadership transcends personal characteristics.
Leo Varadkar – Ireland
Leo Varadkar made history as Ireland’s first openly gay and youngest Taoiseach (Prime Minister) in 2017. Varadkar faced initial scepticism about his ability to lead due to his age and sexual orientation. However, his tenure was marked by successful management of Brexit negotiations and efforts to modernise Ireland, ultimately earning him respect beyond preconceived notions.
The closeness with Xavier Bettel was heavily captured by the media. The optics of two Prime Ministers being close and their partner, represented a departure from traditional norms. However, many saw the friendship as a display of solidarity among political figures and sent a powerful message about the changing dynamics of leadership in Europe.
Matteo Renzi – Italy
Matteo Renzi, former Prime Minister of Italy, assumed office at the age of 39. Renzi’s relative youth and his modern, dynamic image brought into focus the generational shift occurring in Italian politics.
Renzi, often referred to as the “Demolition Man” for his bold and ambitious reform plans, took on the challenge of revamping Italy’s political and economic landscape. His agenda included labour market reforms, changes to the electoral system, and measures to stimulate economic growth. However, the public discourse surrounding these policy initiatives was frequently intertwined with discussions about his age and, to a lesser extent, his personal life.
While Renzi maintained a level of privacy regarding his personal life, occasional glimpses into his relationship with Agnese Landini served to humanise him in the public eye. By presenting himself as a family man, Renzi subtly challenged stereotypes and showcased a dimension of his life beyond politics. This approach contributed to creating a more relatable and well-rounded image, mitigating the impact of age-related prejudices.
Strategies for young politicians facing prejudice
- Embrace competence and expertise: Demonstrating in-depth knowledge and skills in their field helps young leaders establish credibility, countering stereotypes based on age.
- Build a robust support network: A support system of mentors and advisors is vital in navigating the political landscape and mitigating age-related biases.
- Communicate effectively: Articulate ideas and policies clearly and persuasively to counter scepticism and position oneself as a credible leader, regardless of age.
- Focus on achievements and policies: Shift the narrative from personal attributes to achievements and policy accomplishments. Highlight concrete results and the positive impact of policies. Demonstrate a commitment to delivering tangible outcomes to reinforce effectiveness.
- Engage authentically with the public: Genuine interaction with the public is crucial. Connect with constituents, listen to their concerns, and involve them in the policymaking process. This builds trust and demonstrates how age and personal characteristics do not hinder serving the public.
Empowering the next generation of political leaders
The rise of leaders like Attal marks a pivotal shift in European politics, championing diversity and redefining leadership. By emphasising tangible achievements and genuine public engagement, young and LGBTQ+ politicians are overcoming stereotypes, demonstrating that true leadership is defined by capability and commitment.
If you’re a youth leader aiming for a leadership position, you’ll be subject to many criticisms. As long as you have a network of support and address these criticisms head on, then there is nothing to worry about.