Any blog that explores government, politics, justice, and the media inevitably takes a political stance. There’s little point in making a formal declaration of where the Zurich Observer stands — its orientation becomes clear through the issues it focuses on and the tone of its commentary.
A Necessary Distinction
We’re aware that the tone and content of this blog might, at times, be mistaken for that of the “New Right.” We won’t deny the comparison — but we won’t embrace it either. The Zurich Observer simply refuses to fit into the tired left–right box.
We reject the neoliberal brand of social policy often associated with the New Right. And we stand firmly against authoritarianism in all its forms — whether it comes draped in red or wrapped in black. “Law and order,” yes, but in reasonable proportion. Beyond that, less government is usually better: the state’s addiction to intervention helps no one.
The Reduction of Freedom to Freedom of Speech
Calls for “free speech” have become a hallmark of the New Right. To the extent that we share that demand, we must add something crucial: unlike the New Right, the Zurich Observer defends all the fundamental rights set out in the UN Declaration of Human Rights — not just the ones that are convenient to shout about. That’s a political stance.
Freedom, to us, is either comprehensive or it’s hollow. It includes social security, equality, and the freedom to live and love as one chooses. Reduce it to speech alone, and you gut it of meaning. The New Right, moreover, defends “free speech” only when it serves their politics.
Their notion of liberty isn’t universal — it’s selective. They fight for the freedom of reactionaries to speak, while progressive voices are quietly throttled by the algorithms (see Twitter). Real freedom of expression goes further: it’s artistic freedom, the right to experiment, to self-define, even to alter one’s consciousness. The Right’s idea of “freedom” is the freedom of the strong — a privilege, not a principle. It ignores that social inequality silences millions long before any censor does.
Freedom of speech without social security is an illusion. When people lack education, healthcare, or a safe home, their words vanish into the noise of those with wealth and reach. It’s obvious, really — but it still needs saying.
No Personality Cults, Please
You may have noticed that this blog is published anonymously. A few words on why.
First, our web host in the United States knows the identity of a person associated with this blog. Because the Zurich Observer is hosted under U.S. jurisdiction, questions of other legal authorities simply don’t arise.
Second, anonymity is a matter of safety. It protects those who keep this project alive and allows them to do their work without distraction or risk. Anyone who genuinely wishes to reach out can do so through the contact page.
And finally, this isn’t about us. Politics already suffers from too much personality worship — often a thin veil for male ego expansion. We’re here to focus on the issues, not the egos. On substance, not self-promotion.
Translated with ChatGPT