Hostility Towards Members of Parliament (Swiss Press Online 2024, by Patrick Patrick Meier / Anielle Peterhans / Oliver Zihlmann / Simone Rau / Sebastian Broschinski) - Swiss Press Award
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Patrick Patrick Meier / Anielle Peterhans / Oliver Zihlmann / Simone Rau / Sebastian Broschinski
Out of the 20,000 members of parliamentat the federal, cantonal andmunicipal levels, a good 10 percenttook part in a survey asking whether they had ever been treated in a personally hurtful manner. Over a quarter answered yes. The research desk’s inquiries to individual victims who are willing to speak out reveal that frequent examples range from anonymous insults and abuse all the way to death threats. The hostility arrives in the form of letters, social media posts, phone calls – or even “home visits”. Women seem to be affected more often, especially by sexism – which also occurs within the parliaments. National politicians are particularly exposed. SP National Councillor Priska Seiler Graf says she will not allow herself to be intimidated by all the hate. “But it does sometimes affect me.” Political views and foreign heritage are cited as additional motives for
hostility. For SVP local councillor for Spiez, Urs Eggerschwiler, and the local councillor for Mitte, Djamel Bourbala from Versoix, this took the form of physical attacks.
Interview with Patrick Patrick Meier / Anielle Peterhans / Oliver Zihlmann / Simone Rau / Sebastian Broschinski
