Last year’s Czech elections brought several new and young MPs into the Chamber of Deputies, challenging the notion that politics is reserved solely for seasoned veterans. And it is not only in Czechia that young people are showing interest in politics. Considerable engagement is also evident in neighboring Slovakia. One example is the initiative Mladý Hlas – Social Democracy, founded by Peter Kucharčík and Monika Ivanusyková.
Why was this initiative established?
Peter: We are ordinary young people with the ambition to change Slovakia in a reasonable and cultivated way. For a long time, I felt that the younger generation was being pushed toward extremes – either ultra-liberal or radically right-wing. But the real world is not black and white. Most young people want a normal life: work, opportunities, security, a healthy environment, and room to grow. That is why Monika, Samuel, and others joined me in founding Mladý Hlas – a platform offering an alternative. An alternative of a healthy, confident center that is neither aggressive nor hysterically moralizing.
Monika: Mladý Hlas emerged as a response to a major gap in the political and social participation of young people. You either have groups focused primarily on LGBT+ issues, cultural conflicts, Green Deal environmentalism, or very narrow ideological currents – or others trying to attract attention through extreme rhetoric and nationalism. We wanted a space for young people who uphold traditional values, want to do business, start families, support regions, take pride in their country, and at the same time be Europeans and firmly anchored in NATO. That center was simply missing. That is why we are here.
How would you define the core values of Mladý Hlas?
Peter: We are the center. Common sense, confidence, no extremes. Our core values are clear: a pro-European orientation, firm commitment to NATO, respect for older generations, and emphasis on intergenerational dialogue. We believe society functions only when generations complement one another rather than stand against each other. We also firmly reject illegal migration. Slovakia is one of the safest countries in the world, and we want to keep it that way. Security is not an extreme issue – it is the foundation of a prosperous society. And we believe in healthy national pride. Not aggressive nationalism, but pride in who we are. I often say: let us be proud to be Slovaks and Europeans – these identities do not exclude one another.
Monika: I agree. Our values also include equal opportunity, an active lifestyle, and social responsibility. We do not want to privilege anyone based on belonging to a minority or any particular identity. We want every young person to have equal opportunities and to be supported by society in striving for success. What young people sometimes lack today is social recognition that it is perfectly acceptable to want to become a successful entrepreneur, athlete, politician, scientist – anything at all. And one more thing: civility. We are not afraid to express our opinions, but always in a decent manner. Vulgarity, aggression, shouting – that brings nothing. We do not want to be aggressive; we want to be genuine and authentic.
How do you differ from other youth organizations?
Peter: Most youth organizations focus on very specific cultural issues – LGBT topics, religious stances, environmentalism, freedom of speech, or geopolitical conflicts such as Palestine–Israel or Ukraine–Russia. These are important, of course, but they have only limited impact on the everyday lives of young people. We say: let us focus on practical matters. Housing, jobs, competitiveness, regions, support for start-ups, accessible transport, the ability to buy a car without excessive restrictions from Brussels. These shape reality. Not five-hour debates about queer theory or online activism.
Monika: Exactly – we look at the real life of a young person and how to improve living standards, not at abstract ideologies. For us, what matters is that a young person wants to finish school, secure their first proper job, be competitive, financially independent, start a family, build a home, have the opportunity to do business, feel safe, and live in an environment that cultivates growth. And if they are also interested in public affairs, that is an added bonus. We are not activists. We are realists. That is why young people who want to succeed are joining us – not those who merely want to protest, criticize, and talk about dismantling the system.
You mentioned regions and life outside major cities. Why is that important to you?
Peter: Because that is Slovakia’s reality. Most people live outside Bratislava, Košice, or other large cities. Yet almost all youth politics focuses on urban themes – cafés, cultural conflicts, social bubbles. But young people in rural areas or smaller towns deal with entirely different issues: transport accessibility, jobs, housing, infrastructure, business opportunities. We want to represent them. We do not want young people to have to leave their regions simply because they lack opportunities. That is also part of being realistic rather than ideological.
Monika: The regions are our future. As our party emphasizes, if we let them decline, the whole of Slovakia will decline. That is why we support start-up ecosystems in the regions, small entrepreneurs, and innovators. Personally, I strongly support young people who want to start businesses outside large cities – they objectively face greater challenges. We aim to give them a voice. We are currently working intensively with state secretary at the Ministry of the Interior Michal Kaliňák, for whom this issue is key, and we are already seeing initial results.
What is your stance on ecology and current EU green regulations?
Peter: Environmental protection is important – but it must be reasonable, not fanatical. Young people want their first car, a driver’s license, mobility. That is a normal part of growing up. Internal combustion engines are not the enemy. The real problem is unrealistic policy that seeks to ban something without a viable technological or economic alternative. We defend young people’s freedom. There is a difference between a young person saving over the summer to buy an older car and being told they must purchase a 40,000-euro electric vehicle. That is detached from reality.
Monika: We also oppose ETS2 – emissions allowances for housing. That would only make housing even less affordable. Housing is already a major issue for young people. Our position is clear: green policy yes, but rationally, realistically, and without devastating young people’s wallets.
What are your long-term goals for Mladý Hlas?
Peter: We want to build a community of young people who are proud of who they are. Who can express their opinions – politely. Who want to work, study, start families, and build society. Who are not victims of extremes. We want Mladý Hlas to become the natural choice for young people who reject conflict but seek a strong voice.
Monika: We also want to connect young people across the political spectrum. We are a space for those who can talk, cooperate, and look for solutions. That is something young people desperately lack today.
What message would you like to send to young people?
Peter: Do not be afraid to be normal. Do not be afraid to be proud of your country. Do not be afraid to be successful. Do not be afraid to be decent. And remember – true strength lies not in shouting, but in hard work and authenticity.
Monika: And remember that Slovakia and Czechia remain among the safest countries in the world. We are incredibly fortunate. Let us not be drawn into unnecessary hysteria about everything that is supposedly wrong. Let us cooperate. Build. Support one another. Let us be the generation that calms society – not divides it.
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