Democracy under pressure: VUB students in conversation with Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer and Karen Celis
Is our democracy at a tipping point? That question is at the centre of a conversation between writer and opinion maker Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer and VUB professor of political science Karen Celis. Afterwards, students will enter into a direct dialogue with Pfeijffer on the future of democracy.
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel invites press and students to this topical debate, which is part of PACT, the Pauwels Academy of Critical Thinking. The occasion is Pfeijffer's recent book Absolute Democracy, in which he examines how democratic values come under pressure, often in the name of democracy itself.
Together with Karen Celis, he will discuss themes such as populism, growing inequality and the pressure on the rule of law and truth. Afterwards, students will have the floor to ask questions and help think about how democracy can be future-proofed.
Practical
Tuesday 21 April 2026
12:00 doors
12:30 Conversation between Karen Celis and Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer on the tipping point in democracy
13:00 Conversation with students on ideas to future-proof democracy. 14:00 End
VUB Main Campus Etterbeek: Pilar, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Ixelles
About the speakers
Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer is one of the most prominent voices in Dutch-language literature and public debate. He broke through as a poet and gained wide recognition with La Superba and Alkibiades, among others. Based in Genoa, he writes essays and columns on the state of Europe and democracy.
Karen Celis is Professor of Political Science at the VUB and head of the Democratic Futures research group. Her research focuses on how democracy can be organised more inclusively and equitably.
About PACT
PACT, the Pauwels Academy of Critical Thinking, is an initiative of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel committed to critical thinking, dialogue and civic engagement.
Journalists are welcome to attend this event. Please register in advance at Tineke.Sonck@vub.be. Interviews can also be arranged through her on request only.
Tineke Sonck
