From Novels to Brussels: How Sibylle Berg Is Shaking Up European Politics

Sibylle Berg, a renowned novelist and playwright, has entered politics as a Member of the European Parliament. Elected in 2024 for the satirical party Die Partei, she brings sharp criticism of the EU's priorities. Her long-standing advocacy for radical change now takes centre stage in Brussels.

Born in Weimar in 1962, Berg holds both German and Swiss citizenship and resides in Zurich. Her literary career spans decades, with works translated into over 30 languages and plays staged globally. Awards like the Swiss Book Prize and the Bertolt Brecht Medal have cemented her reputation as a bold cultural voice.

Berg's political stance rejects career politicians and demands direct citizen involvement. She envisions a borderless Europe but condemns the EU's economic focus and treatment of smaller nations. Her calls for a nonviolent revolution aim to dismantle what she describes as an oppressive system.

As an MEP, she targets surveillance, militarisation, and capitalism. While her vision of systemic disruption remains broad, her scepticism of the EU's direction is clear. Literature and politics now merge in her push for an alternative future.

Berg's transition from acclaimed writer to outspoken MEP marks a new phase in her activism. Her critiques of EU policies and advocacy for grassroots change will likely shape debates in parliament. The coming years will show how her radical ideas translate into political action.