Roger Köppel, the editor-in-chief of “Weltwoche” and a former SVP National Councilor, recently held a two-hour public discussion with students at the University of Zurich. The event, titled “Köppel auf dem Campus,” took place on a Wednesday afternoon at the university’s main entrance.
The gathering featured a simple setup: a tent pavilion and a microphone where any individual could step forward to ask a question or make a statement. The only established rule for the discourse was that the tone of the interaction remain respectful.
A Format Inspired by US Activism
The event’s structure was modeled after a concept used by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed in an attack at Utah Valley University last autumn. Köppel announced his intention to launch a similar conversation format shortly after Kirk’s death.
The event was organized by the University of Zurich’s student association (VSUZH). Co-President Ladina Bischof stated that the “Debate a Politician” format is intended to bring a political figure before the student body twice a year, with a representative from the left-wing spectrum expected to follow in the autumn.
Protests and Political Tension
As the crowd grew from 100 to several hundred people, the event was met with organized opposition. Left-wing student groups had called for protests in advance on social media under the motto “Dem Bünzli-Kirk die Meinung geigen!”
A masked group of protesters disrupted the start of the event by chanting slogans such as “UZH Nazi-frei!” and calling Köppel a “Fascho.” Köppel responded calmly, suggesting the protesters remove their masks as there was no risk of infection.
Despite the noise, some attendees expressed a desire to hear the discussion. Yannik Mullis, a chemistry student and member of the SP, noted that he felt equally distant from both the protesters and Köppel while seeking to ask about cannabis legalization.
Clashes Over Truth and Free Speech
The discussions covered a wide array of topics, including climate policy, racism, sexism, and the nature of truth. When asked about sympathies for non-democratic systems, Köppel affirmed his support for Switzerland’s liberal values.
He argued that as a journalist, he views it as his duty to challenge solidified positions and the “claim to absolute truth.” This stance was met with resistance from a masked student identifying as a queer Muslim woman, who stated she would not show Köppel respect because he is “disrespectful.”
Köppel responded by asserting that while everyone has the right to express their opinion, not all opinions must be respected, and no one holds a monopoly on deciding what constitutes respect.
The Limits of Expression
The debate intensified when a German student compared Köppel to Julius Streicher, the Nazi publisher executed in 1946. Köppel rejected the comparison as a “hateful statement,” arguing that Streicher called for mass murder, whereas he is a Swiss publisher.
Köppel maintained that the only limit to freedom of expression is criminal law, though he acknowledged that opinions carry consequences in the form of contradiction, which he believes one must face.
A Peaceful Conclusion
Despite the presence of nearly two dozen protesters, the event remained peaceful. Following the formal session, Köppel spent additional time mingling and discussing issues with students.
The event concluded with a brief confrontation between the protest group and four young men who criticized the protesters for disrupting the debate. This interaction eventually evolved into a genuine conversation between parties who disagreed but chose to listen to one another.
It remains unclear if Köppel intends to continue this specific campus tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the inspiration for the “Köppel auf dem Campus” format? The format was copied from the concept used by conservative US activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed in an attack at Utah Valley University last autumn. Who organized the event at the University of Zurich? The event was organized by the University of Zurich’s student association (VSUZH) as part of their “Debate a Politician” series. How did Roger Köppel define the limits of freedom of speech? Köppel stated that the only limit to freedom of speech is criminal law, though he noted that expressing opinions leads to contradictions that the speaker must face.
Do you believe that “respectful tone” should be a mandatory rule for political debates on university campuses?
