The proposal by the PSD (Party of Socialists and Democrats) to allow, under certain conditions, driving from the age of 16 has sparked debate in San Marino. After numerous reactions, many of them highly critical, Gen Sm — the youth movement of the Party of Socialists and Democrats — has stepped in, shifting the focus away from the merits of the proposal itself and onto the way younger generations are being judged.
«One can agree or disagree. One can discuss safety, maturity, training, limits and responsibility. One can even conclude it’s a terrible idea», Gen Sm notes, pointing out however that part of the debate has turned into a blanket criticism of young people.
The movement cites some of the comments that have circulated in recent days, ranging from «Give them a shovel» to «They’re not even responsible on foot», pushing back against the notion that today’s young people are spoiled, reluctant to work or incapable of taking on responsibility.
«We are not a perfect generation. We don’t claim to be. But we’re not a generation of incompetents either», the PSD youth wing states, urging people to also look at those who study, work, volunteer, play sport, take part in associations, try to start a business, or choose to return to San Marino after studying abroad.
For Gen Sm, then, the debate over driving licences at 16 opens up a broader question: the relationship between San Marino and its younger generations. «Before looking down on young people, we should remember one thing. We have fewer and fewer of them».
