As a prelude to the Night of the Constitutional State (19 November in Felix Meritis), Chantal Mouffe (Charleroi, 1943) delivered a lecture on the current liberal consensus democracy and will emphasise the importance of a multi-faceted and open political struggle.

Chantal Mouffe is an internationally acclaimed political scientist and philosopher who specialises in political theory. She is a professor at the University of Westminster and is associated with the Centre for the Study of Democracy in the British capital.

Mouffe's ideas are not without their critics. In her view, it is important to rewrite the rules of politics. She views politics not as a neutral terrain, but as the stake and crucible of political struggle; the terrain is shaped or reshaped in that struggle itself. In other words: 'I cannot emphasise the role of passion within politics and society enough. The convictions of citizens are swayed not only by rational and moral values, but also by passion.'