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13 May 2004
BRUSSELS – The Prime Minister wants to see the voting age in Belgium lowered to 16, it was reported on Thursday.
Speaking in an interview with Flemish newspaper Het Niewsblad, Verhofstadt said he saw no reason why 16-year-olds should not be allowed to take part in elections in Belgium.
He argued such a move might encourage more young people to take an interest in politics.
“Things might change if we gave them the chance to express their views, which could be done by giving them the vote,” he said.
At present the voting age in Belgium is 18.
[Copyright Expatica 2004]
Subject: Belgian news