Social issues

Every year, 12,000 people are arrested in the United Kingdom for expressing their opinions

Restrictions on freedom of expression are increasing in Europe

by the editorial team Hungary/”Unser Mitteleuropa”

(6 June 2025) (CH-S) Reports that do not fit into the mainstream are hardly heard in our media. This is in line with increasing censorship in the EU/UK. Particularly in the UK, as a bastion of Western-style representative democracy, restrictions on freedom of expression are taking on alarming proportions, as reported by “editorial team Hungary”.

Towards European fascism

The ruling against Marine Le Pen reveals a serious crisis of democracy

by Roland Hureaux,* France

(16 May 2025) The extravagant punishment imposed by the Paris Court of Appeal on Marine Le Pen and forty other members of the “Rassemblement National” is an insult to democracy that has shocked people far beyond this political family and our borders.

How the state kindly takes away our freedom

by Mathias Müller, Switzerland

(16 May 2025) Politicians present themselves to citizens as a friend and helper. But this is often a perfidious deception, as the new coalition agreement in Germany shows.

Unconditional commitment for peace – Pope Francis

Easter Homily 2025

by Pope Francis†

(2 May 2025) (CH-S) Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis tireless worked for peace all over the world. His last homily was read out in his presence before the Easter blessing “Urbi et Orbi”. The Pope entrusted this task to his master of ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli. For many, believers and non-believers alike, this sermon expresses his unwavering commitment to a more peaceful world.

Ahmed is back on his feet

When migration goes wrong and what can be done about it

by Alain Pichard,* Switzerland

(2 May 2025) Muslim fathers refusing to shake hands with female teachers hardly attracts any public attention anymore. And that’s a good thing! Firstly, the vast majority of Muslims in Switzerland have no problem whatsoever with what we consider to be a simple greeting ritual. Secondly, debates about handshakes usually lead to fruitless discussions about symbols, which distract us from the serious issues at hand.

“Maintaining hope”

ISPS* Statement against euthanasia and assisted suicide

(14 April 2025) (CH-S) The ISPS criticises strong social and legal trends in many countries around the world towards the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide. So-called “useless lives” should not be allowed to be extinguished prematurely at the “request” of the person concerned.