Student politics vs national politics: Two sides of same coin?

Matthew Paris, Doctor of Law, 3rd year:

"It is a fallacy to claim that student politics and national politics are one and the same thing. However, students are important stakeholders, and as such, their contribution within diverse aspects of national politics is imperative.

"A number of student politicians have risen to national political posts, such as President Emeritus Guido De Marco; Francis Zammit Dimech and Jose Herrera.

"This is not just a local phenomenon. Last week, 28-year-old Luciana Berger was elected to the House of Commons on the UK labour ticket. This goes to show that activism within student politics can propel individuals into national politics.

"The recent events in the House of Representatives (the shouting, banging and walk-out) were likewise experienced last March during the University Students Council's (KSU) AGM. Hence, one might be tempted to claim that national and student politics are indeed two sides of the same coin."

Benjamin Pule, Doctor of Law, 2nd year:

"From my own personal experience, student politics and national politics have nothing to do with each other for one main reason. Student politics is very much a reactive environment, while the national scene is more proactive in nature, thus the political dynamics are very different.

"In student politics there is no debate on any issue throughout the year, with minor exceptions such as that which took place two years ago during the Umasa-government deadlock, and the stipends issue way back in 1997.

"Unfortunately, the only debate that actually takes place is in the run-up to the KSU elections. I say unfortunately because I think that during the year, both the social policy commission and the student body in general should engage in debates on a whole spectrum of topics which would help in the more holistic formation of adults."