Hate speech against politicians has increased
Published: Monday, Dec 11th 2023, 16:10
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On Monday, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider hosted a round table on the topic of hate speech in Swiss politics. This was triggered by an increase in hostility towards politicians in recent months.
Around 30 representatives from political parties, security authorities, cantons, municipalities and civil society expressed their concern about the hatred and its consequences for Swiss militia democracy.
The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) wrote in a press release that hate and threats could lead to politicians withdrawing from the public political debate or citizens refraining from exercising political functions.
The discussion showed that although police-recorded hostilities against politicians have decreased since the end of the coronavirus pandemic, "the brutality and violent tone have remained", the FDJP continued. Hostility also frequently occurs at cantonal and communal level.
As little scientific research has been carried out into the phenomenon in Switzerland, the University of Zurich will conduct a basic study on the subject. The experts also hope to see improvements through stricter regulation of communication platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Google and YouTube. According to the FDJP, a corresponding consultation draft is currently being prepared.
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