2024-10-31 19:04:00
The Swiss editor-in-chief of World WeekRoger Köppel, invited the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder to a conversation about peace and moderated it himself. The Sofiensäle in Vienna was chosen as the meeting point so that everyone would somehow have to travel. Austria was represented at the event by dozens of police officers who had to protect the event. The only official action was probably the expulsion of a silent protester who did not move quickly enough after a quick “I count to three” from the operations manager. Thomas, an older gentleman who was “armed” with a small European flag, had already protested against Viktor Orbán that morning and was surprised at the few demonstrators. If necessary, he had already thought of an excuse if the flag was to be taken away from him, he told the STANDARD. Then he says it’s because of Orbán’s presidency of the EU Council. His worries that afternoon were unfounded, but his worries about the future of Europe were more justified.
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#Viktor #Orbán #Austria #musters #Vienna #Hungary
**Interview with Roger Köppel, Editor-in-Chief of *World Week***
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Köppel. Your recent event in Vienna featuring Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has generated quite a discussion. What was the main objective of this conversation about peace?
**Roger Köppel:** Thank you for having me. The primary goal was to foster dialogue among leaders with differing perspectives. In today’s polarized environment, it’s crucial to have discussions that bridge gaps and look for common ground, especially regarding peace in Europe.
**Interviewer:** Austria’s heavy police presence and the incident with the silent protester raise questions about the atmosphere at such events. What can you tell us about the security measures in place and their necessity?
**Roger Köppel:** Security was a precautionary measure, given the high-profile nature of the attendees and the potential for disruption. It’s always a balance between ensuring safety and allowing free expression. Unfortunately, that sometimes leads to misunderstandings, as we saw with the protester.
**Interviewer:** A protester expressed disappointment over the lack of demonstrators at the event, linking it to Orbán’s presidency of the EU Council. What do you think this says about the public’s engagement with such political figures today?
**Roger Köppel:** It’s certainly a reflection of a complex landscape. Many people feel disenfranchised or apathetic, which can result in lower turnout for protests, even against controversial figures. It speaks to a broader issue of how engaged citizens feel within the political framework.
**Interviewer:** Given the discussions held and the varying opinions of global leaders present, how do you foresee the future of European cooperation in light of differing ideologies?
**Roger Köppel:** It’s a challenging road ahead. The differing ideologies can either create barriers or present opportunities for collaboration. The key will be how leaders approach these discussions and whether they are willing to prioritize dialogue over division.
**Interviewer:** you’ve been at the center of this high-stakes conversation. What message do you hope readers take away from this event, and how do you think it will shape public discourse?
**Roger Köppel:** I hope readers see the importance of dialogue in achieving peace and finding commonality. It’s vital for the public to engage with these issues actively. The question remains: Are we ready to embrace these conversations, even when they challenge our core beliefs? That’s the debate I encourage our audience to have.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Köppel, for sharing your insights. Let’s open the floor to our readers: What are your thoughts on the significance of dialogue in a politically polarized Europe? Do you believe events like this pave the way for meaningful change, or do they simply offer a façade of unity?
