Political Awakening: Beyond Old Divisions

Traditional political parties struggle engaging youth who see independence/autonomy debates as outdated.

"While politicians argue status, we lose future to climate change," observes Guadeloupean student union leader Médéric Suzanon. "We need different conversations."

Youth political engagement takes new forms: - Issue-based mobilization over party loyalty - Direct action preferred to electoral politics - International solidarity trumping national boundaries - Intersectional analysis linking oppressions - Solution focus over ideological purity

"LGBTQ+ rights, climate action, economic justice—these connect," explains Martinican activist Amandine Delblond. "Single-issue politics is luxury we can't afford."

Some enter traditional politics, transforming from within: - Youngest-ever territorial councilors - Youth quotas in party lists - New parties formed by millennials - Cross-party youth caucuses - International indigenous youth networks

"Change system from inside while comrades pressure from outside," strategizes Tahitian councilor Teiva Manutahi, elected at 25. "Multiple tactics, same goal."