The University of Bern has canceled a planned graduation speech by Nicoletta della Valle, the former head of the Swiss Federal Police (Fedpol). The decision follows public debate over her new consulting role with an Israeli-Swiss investment firm that has ties to the defense sector.
Ms. della Valle was scheduled to address graduates of the Public Administration diploma program in March 2026. The university confirmed the cancellation was made in consultation with her, after she reportedly highlighted the potential reputational risks for the institution.
Key Takeaways
- The University of Bern has withdrawn an invitation for former Fedpol chief Nicoletta della Valle to give a graduation speech.
- The cancellation is linked to her controversial advisory position at Champel Capital, an Israeli-Swiss investment firm.
- Della Valle herself acknowledged the potential for reputational damage to the university.
- The decision comes amid heightened sensitivity at the university regarding events related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Controversy Surrounds Post-Government Role
Nicoletta della Valle's transition from public service to the private sector has drawn significant scrutiny. Only a few months after leaving her post as the head of Switzerland's federal police, she accepted an advisory mandate with Champel Capital.
The firm's portfolio, which includes investments in Israeli technology, security, and defense companies, became a point of contention. The connection raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the use of sensitive knowledge gained during her time in a top national security position.
The issue escalated when Federal Councillor Beat Jans, her former superior, issued an unusually direct public warning. He cautioned Ms. della Valle against the disclosure of any confidential government information in her new role, highlighting the seriousness with which the government viewed the situation.
Background on Champel Capital
Champel Capital is a venture capital firm with offices in Israel and Switzerland. It focuses on investing in high-tech Israeli companies across various sectors, including cybersecurity and defense technology. The firm's investments in companies with military applications have been at the center of the public debate surrounding della Valle's new role.
University Cites Reputational Risk
The University of Bern has remained tight-lipped about the specific reasons for canceling the speech. In a written statement, the university's media office confirmed the decision but did not elaborate on whether Ms. della Valle's new role was considered an inappropriate example for future public servants.
However, the university did state that the cancellation followed discussions with Ms. della Valle. According to their statement, "Ms. della Valle herself repeatedly pointed out a possible reputational risk" for the institution. This suggests the decision was mutual, aimed at preventing further controversy for both parties.
The choice of a keynote speaker for a Public Administration graduation is significant. These events are meant to inspire graduates entering careers in government and public service. The controversy surrounding Ms. della Valle's private sector employment likely raised questions about the message her presence would send to the next generation of civil servants.
A Pattern of Caution at the University
The decision to cancel Ms. della Valle's speech may also be viewed within the broader context of the University of Bern's recent handling of politically sensitive events. The institution has shown increasing caution regarding events related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a notable recent case, the university denied venue access for an event featuring Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian territories. The university officially cited concerns that the event might not be sufficiently "balanced." Critics, however, saw the move as an attempt to avoid controversy.
Institutional Neutrality
Swiss universities often navigate a complex path to maintain institutional neutrality, especially on highly polarized international issues. Decisions on guest speakers and events can attract intense scrutiny from student groups, faculty, and the public, leading many institutions to adopt more cautious policies to avoid being seen as taking a side.
Given this precedent, inviting Ms. della Valle, who is perceived by some as having pro-Israel affiliations through her new role, could have been seen as inconsistent. Observers speculate that the university may have acted to preemptively avoid accusations of bias, similar to those that arose from the Albanese event.
Wider Implications for Della Valle's Future Plans
The fallout from the Champel Capital mandate appears to extend beyond the canceled university appearance. According to reports from the "NZZ am Sonntag," Ms. della Valle's plans to open a consulting café in Bern are also facing challenges.
The concept was for a space where she could offer her expertise and advice. However, the public discussion surrounding her ties to the Israeli investment firm has reportedly caused some collaborators to withdraw from the project. This indicates that the controversy is having a tangible impact on her professional endeavors after leaving federal service.
"She wants to open a café in Bern, but now associates are apparently turning away because of the public discussion." - Excerpt from a report in "NZZ am Sonntag".
Ms. della Valle has chosen not to comment publicly on either the cancellation of her speech or the reported difficulties with her café project. Her silence leaves many questions unanswered about her perspective on the controversy and her future plans.
The situation underscores the intense scrutiny public officials in Switzerland face when they transition to the private sector, especially when their new roles involve politically sensitive or security-related industries. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the reputational challenges that can arise long after a career in public service has ended.
