Publisher: Jan Philipp Albrecht, MEP

Right-wing extremists and right-wing popu- lists in the European Parliament Publisher:

Jan Philipp Albrecht, MEP European Parliament, ASP 08H246 Europe THE FAR RIGHT Rue Wiertz 60 1047 Brussels Right-wing extremists and right-wing populists in the European Parliament Die Grünen/Freie Europäische Allianz im Europäischen Parlament

translated version, original: Jan Philipp Albrecht, MdEP: Europa Rechtsaus- sen. Rechtsextremisten und Rechtspopulisten im Europäischen Parlament Preface Jan Philipp Albrecht, MEP 06

Introduction 08

Contents Country reports

Belgium 16

Bulgaria 23

Denmark 30

Great Britain 37

France 44

Greece 52

Italy 59

Netherlands 70

Austria 79

Romania 86

Slovakia 93

Hungary 98

Footnotes 108

Bibliography 120

Contents 04 05 Contents MEP Marine Le Pen and the leader of in 2010, this brochure aims to shed light other extreme right-wing party, Golden the Austrian FPÖ party, Heinz-Christian on -wing extremists and popu- Dawn, entering a parliament in Europe. Strache, are forming alliances. The pho- lists in the European Parliament and on In view of the economic and social up- to on the front of this brochure shows their parties within the countries of the heavals in many EU Member States, it both politicians at a press conference at EU. Wide-ranging background informa- cannot be assumed that we are again the European Parliament in Strasbourg. tion will enable the people of Europe to in the clear as regards the success of When the next European Parliament gain an idea of the overall situation. It right-wing extremist and populist par- elections take place in 2014, many will also help those involved in the po- ties. As a result, my efforts in opposing MEPs and also many voters will be una- litical process in the right-wing extremism will continue to be ware of the presence that right-wing ex- and my colleagues in the various parlia- a focal point of my work over the com- tremists already have in Europe. This is ments and parties to better understand ing years. My team and I would be very also due to the way extreme right-wing the somewhat blurred spectrum of right- happy to learn of new developments ideology is emerging under new guises. wing extremism and to oppose racist and receive additional information relat- The key players are increasingly aware and nationalist tendencies. ing to this brochure. Anybody wishing PREFACE BY JAN PHILIPP ALBRECHT of the need to link up with like-minded to receive further information about our people in other countries and to re- I would like to thank all my team, and work in the European Parliament can spond to the prevailing populist mood. particularly Tobias Peter, who has con- send an e-mail to jan.albrecht@euro- In the wake of the success of charismat- The image they display of being patri- tributed hugely to the success of this and parl.europa.eu. ic right-wing populists such as Marine otic fighters against “the high-ups in the the previous brochure. This brochure is Le Pen in France and Geert Wilders in established parties and in Brussels” is of course a snapshot and is being pub- I hope this brochure will provide you the , there is once again a gaining in popularity as a result of the lished at a time when Europe and its de- with helpful insights and make some heightened awareness of how extreme continuing global crisis. The racist and mocracies are in deep crisis. The fateful contribution to creating a Europe free right-wing parties in Europe are gaining misanthropic undertones of their mes- elections in Greece in 2012 led to an- of , misanthropy and . popularity amongst voters. Their influ- sage may seem to go unheard, but they ence on governments and hence on the still permeate into people’s conscious- key issues of European politics is grow- ness and their discussions with others. ing. Government heads such as Victor Following on from the comprehensive Orban in Hungary are moving ever clos- brochure entitled “Strategien gegen Re- er to the right. Throughout Europe, right- chtsextremismus” [Strategies to combat Jan Philipp Albrecht, MEP wing extremists and populists, including right-wing extremism] which I published Member of the European Parliament

PREFACE 06 07 PREFACE lands”. But who are these MEPS, and what issues are they concerned with? Which countries do they come from, and who is behind them at national level? This brochure gives an insight into an area that has hitherto received little attention: the presence of miscel- laneous right-wing extremist parties and MEPs in the European Parliament. Re- ports on individual European countries allow anyone interested in this subject to gain an overview of the national con- texts that have given rise to the MEPs in question and to their positions in Par- liament. Although the -leaning parties of many European countries had little chance of electoral success after the Second World War, they have never stopped working to push through their hate-filled view of the world. In order to demonstrate these tenden- cies, the country reports also examine the situation at the end of the Second World War, but the historical perspec- tive is somewhat brief. It is clear, how- ever, that right-wing extremism is not INTRODUCTION a modern phenomenon in Europe and that many of the parties concerned Right-wing extremism in its various have just given themselves a new gloss guises and nuances is threatening Eu- without abandoning their core racism. rope’s democracies. In this regard, the Unlike in Western Europe, extreme term “right-wing extremism” is used to right-wing parties did not emerge on the describe an entire group of ideologies political landscape in Eastern Europe and activities that stand in opposition to until 1989/90, so the country reports democracy, plurality and human rights. only begin at the start of their transition Its blueprint for society is characterised process. But of course fascist parties by an authoritarian and anti-pluralistic and movements also existed in Eastern mind-set. Right-wing extremist and pop- Europe before and during the inter-war ulist parties are also represented in the period, and the tendencies in ques- European Parliament and are actively tion continued to exist up to 1989. The working to create a “Europe of Father- country reports only give an overview

INTRODUCTION 08 09 INTRODUCTION of the situation and look at it solely in liament because these are made avail- regional and national level in what is the Hungarian Justice and Life party terms of party-based right-wing extrem- able by the Parliament itself, at least in termed a “grey area” of right-wing ex- (MIÉP), the Italian , the Aus- ism, pointing to the sources for anyone English. The biographical data is taken tremism.4 In contrast to right-wing ex- trian Bündnis Zukunft Österreich (BZÖ), requiring more detailed information. from the European Parliament’s web- tremists, the populists of the right focus the Danish People’s Party, the Swiss Moreover, ideological differences and site. neither on direct opposition to democ- Volkspartei (SVP) and the Dutch Party peculiarities are only touched upon, as racy nor on open violence as a means for Freedom (PVV). There are also a are analytical explanations of partly- of political confrontation. In order to pre- number of parties which have so far concealed anti-Semitic and racist state- sent themselves as an electoral alterna- only been successful at local or regional ments. Although it is difficult, the quota- THE CONCEPTS.... tive to society’s “middle ground”, they level, such as the German National- tions in question cannot be analysed on avoid being identified with right-wing demokratische Partei Deutschlands the basis of their ideological substrate There are a great many terms used to extremists. But despite this ideologi- (NPD), the (BNP) and their respective right-wing extrem- describe what we refer to in this bro- cal shift, the principles of the right-wing and the Swedish Democrats (SD). The ist motivation but to a great extent must chure as right-wing extremism.1 In gen- populist parties are not compatible with extreme right is mainly successful at the be left to stand on their own. Instead, eral, right-wing extremism describes a those of a pluralistic society guided by level of movements and sub-cultures.5 this brochure is conceived as a source political current that directly or indirectly concepts of equality and governed by At sub-culture level, there is clearly of information on the right-wing extrem- opposes the main cornerstones of lib- the rule of law. They still believe in the a strong trans-national cooperation ist and populist MEPs in question and eral democracies, i.e. political plural- same ideology of inequality, the exclu- between right-wing extremists from aims to provide information for further ism and the constitutional protection of sion of ethnically or biologically-defined various countries. Foreign contacts be- political debate. It should also be noted minorities. Its core is made up of ultra- minorities and the need to curtail their tween right-wing extremists have inten- that right-wing extremist groups are ac- nationalistic, authoritarian and xeno- rights. sified, communication channels have tive as movements and sub-cultures in phobic elements. The process of social improved, a regular exchange of infor- all the countries concerned. Although modernisation with social and functional mation has been established and travel academic research has established a differentiation and increased individu- to events organised by groups abroad direct link between party-based and alisation is seen as the opposite of a THE SOCIAL CONTEXT... is commonplace.6 The internet plays a movement-based right-wing extrem- collective identity constructed on the central role in communication and in the ism, these groups are not dealt with basis of national loyalties and defined Since the late 1980s, right-wing extrem- dissemination of . in the country reports, but many of the in ethnic, cultural or religious terms.2 ist parties, movements and sub-cultures references contain further information Individuals are required to subordinate have been gradually gaining strength Throughout Europe, the increased elec- on them. All sources are publicly ac- themselves and their (civil) rights to the throughout Europe. This has been re- toral success of right-wing populist par- cessible, have been carefully checked greater good of the community. Since flected in electoral successes at na- ties is striking. Although these parties and are noted in the report. Because of the 1980s, most extreme right-wing par- tional and European level, in the growth repeatedly seek to distance themselves the wide range of languages involved, ties, particularly those in Western Eu- in membership of right-wing extremist from the right-wing extremist parties, secondary sources were very important rope, have detached themselves from movements and in the attractiveness there are clear structural and personal to the drafting of this brochure, and the the ties of their fascist tradition and of sub-cultural groups, particularly to connections between the extremists usual restrictions apply with regard to openly anti-democratic orientation. It is young people. The following parties and populists. This involves joint mobi- the translation of verbatim quotations by now to make a distinction be- have been successful at local, regional lisation and mutual support in elections, third parties. Since these are not official tween the extreme right, with its strong and national level as well as in the Euro- along with the provision of new blood for translations, minor discrepancies are links to fascist tradition, and populist pean context: the Austrian Freiheitliche populist parties by the extreme right.7 possible within the statements. This is nationalists (also known as right-wing Partei Österreichs (FPÖ), the Belgian For young people in particular, it is more not true for quotations from documents populists).3 These latter groups tend to (VB), the French Front attractive to join extremist groups via and speeches from the European Par- be particularly successful at municipal, National (FN), the party and sub-cultural networks than to become

INTRODUCTION 10 11 INTRODUCTION directly involved in a . ever more votes at regional and local stop to immigration but by repatriating mans feel a sense of hostility towards Young people are introduced early on to level. Examples of this are Germany, “foreigners” living in various countries. Muslims.12 The fact that the media and right-wing extremist mind-sets through Sweden and Great Britain. These demands come to the fore when prominent publishers openly conduct music, fashion and leisure activities, the Swiss SVP demands “Maria statt an anti-Muslim discourse, and spurred and right-wing structures are then sup- Scharia” [“Mary not Sharia”], the Ger- on by the Swiss referendum decision ported through the purchase of certain man NDP calls for a “halt to the Polish to ban the construction of minarets, clothing brands and recordings and by THE ISSUES... invasion” (the use of an election poster electoral campaigns are now increas- attending concerts. In many European containing this demand has now been ingly focusing on the supposed risk of countries, the right-wing sub-cultural Throughout Europe, immigration is one banned in the courts as sedition), or the “creeping Islamisation” of Europe. scene is more important and larger in of the central buzzwords associated Hungarian right-wing extremists declare While Muslims are the main focus of ag- terms of the numbers involved than the with negative connotations by right-wing the Sinti and Roma to be the main bo- itation in Western European countries, it membership of the corresponding par- extremists. In this context, immigrants, geymen and call for an uprising against is the Roma who are being attacked, in ties. Apart from this, the cultural aspects and above all the presence of Muslims the “enslavement” of the Hungarian some cases physically, in Romania and that are conveyed through music and within (Western European) society, are people. Hungary. The political scientist Dieter the associated ideology have a lasting identified as being at the root of all so- Segert observes that: effect on young people’s attitudes.8 In cial problems. In the right-wing extrem- Right-wing extremist ideology ties in di- some countries, we can see a signifi- ist view of the world, unemployment, rectly with a widespread centre-ground “It is generally true of the extreme cant radicalisation of rightist groups and crime, the shortage of housing, benefit racism that is not (openly) determined in right in all Eastern European coun- a corresponding increase in the use of fraud and the sense of being “flooded biological or racist terms but is explained tries that the core of their political violence. Above all in Germany, Swit- with foreigners” can be traced directly by reference to cultural difference. “For- self-conception is formed by an zerland, France and the Netherlands, back to immigration and are the cause eigners” are deemed incompatible with ethnic/cultural understanding of the right-wing extremists are increasingly of all material and cultural problems. Im- one’s own culture. The fact that this ulti- nation. This is associated with fears prepared to resort to violence. For some migration is seen as the framework for mately leads to a racist classification is that the very existence of one’s own time now, attention has been focused on these problems and as a medium for clear from the fact that the “other” cul- nation might be under threat from Hungary, where right-wing extremists re-articulating them.9 Problems affect- ture is also perceived as being inferior, ethnic minorities. Such feelings are are increasingly making their presence ing all of society are re-articulated by even though this is usually left unsaid.10 of course present in those countries felt and carrying out attacks on Roma. the right-wing extremists and ethnicised Questions relating to the identity of a in which there are significant ethnic The right-wing extremist party Jobbik with reference to an ethnic/national he- people are raised in terms of a homo- minorities. Alongside Slovakia, this and the (banned) paramilitary Hungar- gemony as a model for explaining social geneous community based on a purely is true for Romania, Bulgaria and ian Guard, which has been responsible conflicts. The result is that immigration biological substrate defined according some of the successor states of the for many of these attacks, is now the is seen as a threat to the homogeneous to blood ties and not in terms of na- former socialist Yugoslavia.13 third-largest force in the Hungarian Par- “nation” and “subverts” the “people”. tionality (ethnos versus demos). In this liament, having polled 17% of the vote According to the right-wing extremist ethnicised outlook, the object of the rac- Extremist right-wing agitation against in the Hungarian national elections of view of the world, social and individu- ism is ultimately different to that of the immigration and ethnic and religious 2010. It is also interesting to note that al problems arise when people do not traditional fascist parties. The old anti- diversity influences the processes of the more successfully parties operate, feel rooted and at home in “their” cul- Semitic background does not entirely forming political opinion and decision- the smaller sub-cultural movements be- ture and when cultures, again viewed disappear but retreats behind a virulent making within the political mainstream. come, and vice versa. Even in countries as being homogeneous and static, anti-Muslim form of racism.11 The abil- This holds true for both Eastern and where right-wing extremist parties are are “intermixed” as a result of migra- ity of this ideology to be assimilated by Western Europe. The public stance of not represented at national or European tion flows. Consequently, all problems society’s middle ground is evident from almost all the political parties towards level, they are nevertheless attracting can be resolved not only by putting a surveys which show that half of all Ger- the issues of immigration, crime and

INTRODUCTION 12 13 INTRODUCTION integration has lurched to the right.14 crats are often perceived and portrayed ship of convenience. Some right-wing bers include MEPs from the French Most parties, whether on or right as being even more out of touch and populists belong to the European Con- Front National (which left Parliament at side of the spectrum, seek to exploit the distanced from the “real” needs of the servatives and Reformists Group, which the end of 2011), the Hungarian Jobbik fear of Islam to their political advantage. people. The fact that so many people is a break-away group from the Euro- party, the British National Party and rep- Closely linked to this subject of ethnic accept this view is rooted in a lack of pean People’s Party. resentatives of other right-wing extrem- and religious diversity within society is knowledge of European structures, pro- ist parties. The “Movement for a Europe the criticism of pluralistic democracy cesses and responsibilities. The current Right-wing populist and extremist par- of Liberties and Democracy” (MELD) voiced by right-wing extremists. Even financial crisis exacerbates this nega- ties are also seeking to coordinate includes representatives of the Danish though the right-wing populists do not tive image even further. People have themselves and receive financial sub- People’s Party, the Greek LAOS party, position themselves as fundamentally the feeling that they are having to pay sidies from the Parliament by setting the Slovak National Party and the Italian opposed to the existing system and do for the mistakes of the financial world. up political parties at European level Lega Nord. It received around €621,000 not openly advocate the use of force, While safety nets amounting to mil- (“European parties”). The “European for 2012. The conditions for being they share with extremists on the right lions are being deployed, the people Alliance for Freedom” (EAF) was rec- recognised as a European party are a critical view of politics, political par- of Greece and elsewhere are having to ognised as a European party by the relatively easy to meet: in at least one- ties and democracy in general.15 Poli- assume personal responsibility for the European Parliament in February 2011 quarter of the Member States, it must tics is portrayed as corrupt, elitist and consequences of an iron-fist European and received around €372,000 (pro- be represented by Members of regional obsessed with power, and politicians as austerity policy. visional amount) from EU funds for or national parliaments or hold at least being solely out for themselves. Right- 2011.16 Members of the EAF include one seat in the European Parliament. In wing extremist parties like to present MEPs17 from the FPÖ, VB, FN and the future, the right-wing extremist Swedish themselves as the “defender of the com- German “Bürger in Wut” [“enraged citi- National Democrats or the neo-fascist mon man”. This message is easily as- THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT... zens”] party. In March 2012, the Euro- Fiamma Tricolore, parties which are not similated by broad sections of society. pean Parliament approved a payment even represented in the European Par- Increasing disenchantment with politics The entire was al- of approximately €290,000 from the EU liament, will therefore also be eligible to and a sense of distance between the ready represented in the Parliament budget to the “European Alliance of Na- receive EU money citizens and the political system/elite is after the first general elections to the tional Movements” (AENM). Its mem- a phenomenon that is prevalent across European Parliament in 1979. There Europe. Moreover, criticism of the dis- have been repeated attempts to form mantling of the welfare state and its right-wing extremist political groups in exploitation by immigrants, combined order to be able to take part in parlia- with an image of self-enriching politi- mentary work with a united voice and cians, has become socially acceptable to make the most of the financial and in most European countries. By pro- organisational benefits involved. For posing a reorganisation of the welfare example, in 1984 the “European Right” state – of course in terms of a solidarity- was formed, the first political group of based system of welfare available only right-wing extremist parties, under the to those who belong to the indigenous leadership of Jean-Marie le Pen (Front population – the right-wing extremists National, France). The current group is are speaking above all to the unskilled, the Europe of Freedom and Democracy the unemployed and those people who group, which comprises both right-wing feel threatened by a loss of prosperity populist and right-wing extremist mem- (“subjective deprivation”). EU bureau- bers and is essentially a kind of partner-

INTRODUCTION 14 15 INTRODUCTION by its many international ports and the (VU) was formed shortly afterwards and industry that grew up around them. By went on to win 6% of the Flemish vote in the mid-1960s, all the major parties 1962.19 The Flemish nationalists contin- had split into a Flemish and a Wallon- ued to gain in strength in the 1960s as ian party. The following country report a result of the growing language dispute looks only at players in . In between the Belgian regions that led to interpreting the election results to the isolated rioting. In the1971 parliamen- Chamber of Representatives and the tary elections, the VU won 18.8% of the Senate, it must be borne in mind in the Flemish vote. At the same time, the in- following that the /Vlaams fluence of liberal forces grew within the Belang have only stood in Flanders. party, giving it the gloss of a left-liberal The Front National (FN), an extremist nationalist party in order to make it at- right-wing party in the Wallonian part tractive to larger sections of the elector- of the country, is in favour of a united ate.20 This development was rejected Belgium. Although it obtained around by the extremist right of the party, but 2% of the vote in Wallonia in the 2004 it was subsequently appeased internally and 2007 elections to the Chamber of by the integration of the VMO into the Representatives and the Senate, it was VU in 1971 and then by the election to not permitted to stand in the 2010 elec- parliament of former VMO Chairman tions due to procedural errors. The FN Bob Maes. Barely a month later, a new COUNTRY REPORT: BELGIUM is currently irrelevant in Belgium in both VMO was formed (and subsequently electoral and political terms.18 banned in 1981) under the leadership of Proportional representation . The members of this or- 5% hurdle at constituency level During the German occupation, some ganisation were again made up of right- of the Flemish (and Wallonian) nation- wing extremists who were prepared to alists in Belgium collaborated with the resort to violence. A few other far-right National Socialists. After the end of the organisations existed at the same time, THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SITUATION IN war, corresponding organisations and including the Verbond van Nederlandse BELGIUM parties were banned and many collabo- Werkgemeenschappen/ Were Di and rators ended up in prison. Despite this, its 1976 offshoot the . Under In Belgium, nationalism and political a few Flemish-nationalist organisations, the Egmont Agreement of May 1977, self-perception are largely shaped by such as Vlaamse Concentratie and the agreed between the parties in govern- the existence of two distinct regions, rightist Vlaamse Militanten Orde (VMO; ment, including the VU, Belgium was Flanders and Wallonia. Wallonia, which founded as an organisation) were to be divided up into three autonomous had been the richer part of the coun- formed. The first electoral success- regions with their own governments and try at the beginning of the 20th century es were achieved by the Christelijke direct powers. As a result, opponents of as a result of its heavy-industry-based Vlaamse Volksunie electoral alliance, the Egmont Agreement and sections of economy, was overtaken in economic which obtained 3.9% of the Flemish the VU membership formed two parties. terms in the 1960s by the service sec- vote and a seat in the parliamentary On the one hand, there was the far-right tor based in Flanders. The economic elections of 1954. On the basis of these Vlaams Nationale Partij (VNP) under position of Flanders was strengthened positive experiences, the Volksunie , a former VU member and

COUNTRY REPORT: BELGIUM 16 17 COUNTRY REPORT: BELGIUM founder of the Volksunie Jongeren (the not participate in the government due to mained substantially the same, despite youth organisation of the VU). On the a broad containment policy on the part having been reformed. It viewed the ban other side, the more nationalist and of other parties. In terms of issues, the as an attack on freedom of opinion. Un- liberal Vlaamse Volkspartij (VVP) was VB represented a strong Flemish eth- der the heading “Trial is Assassination”, formed under Lode Claes, who was no-nationalism, opposed immigration, party leader Frank Vanhecke wrote: also a former VU member. preferred a strong state with a hard-line approach to internal security, and posi- “On 9 November [...] it was decided After the Belgian Government collapsed tioned itself as an anti-party within the whether opinions in this country are in 1978 as a result of the Egmont Agree- political establishment.23 For example, a still free [...] whether the multicultur- ment and new elections were called, the 70-point plan for the (if necessary for- al society is truly able to tolerate the VNP and VVP stood with a joint elec- cible) repatriation of immigrants to their freedom of expression. In the Neth- toral list under the name of Vlaams Blok supposed country of origin was drawn erlands, this freedom is threatened (VB). After a poor performance in which up and presented. by religious and political fanatics they gained less than 1% of the vote, carrying revolvers. In our country, the VVP merged with the VNP. The In November 2004 the VB was formally the weapons are for the time being electoral pact was transformed into the wound up and a , Vlaams Be- still in the drawer.”24 Vlaams Blok party under the leadership lang, was founded immediately there- of Dillen, the only person to have won a after. This was the result of a ruling by Despite a short-term gain in subse- seat in the elections.21 In its early years, the Belgian Supreme Court which found quent elections, the 2010 results saw the VB was a small splinter party, gain- that three of the organisations associ- a collapse, with the VB losing around ing between 1% and 2% of the vote in ated with the party were racist and that a third of its voters. The VB is currently elections to the Chamber of Represent- the party had infringed anti-racism leg- represented in the Chamber of Depu- atives and the Senate up to the end of islation. The Vlaams Blok feared that ties with 12 members and in the Sen- the 1980s. Politically it focused on the in the 1987 “Eigen volk eerst!” (“Our it would lose its public subsidies so it ate with 3 members. The strongest main aim of an autonomous Flanders. own people first”) campaign, as a re- relaunched itself with a watered-down force in the Chamber of Deputies is the Spurred on by the electoral successes sult of which the VB gained two seats party manifesto. “Foreigners” would no national-conservative Nieuw-Vlaamse of extremist right-wing parties in neigh- in the Chamber of Representatives and longer be deported indiscriminately but Alliantie (N-VA,17.4%), followed by the bouring countries, during the 1980s it its first seat in the Senate.22 The VB would be able to remain in Belgium if Wallonian Socialists (PS,13.7 %) and shifted from being a separatist-nation- achieved its electoral breakthrough in they were not criminals and were willing the Christian- Chris- alist party into a modern far-right party 1991, when it obtained 6.6% of the vote to integrate. The VB leadership never- ten-Democratisch en Vlaams (CD&V, representing a broad range of issues. in elections to the Chamber of Repre- theless made it clear that the party re- 10.8%).25 Dillen, Chairman of the VB up to 1996 sentatives and 6.8% of the vote in elec- and MEP from 1994 to 2004, launched tions to the Senate. Up to 2003, the par- “Operation Verjüngung” [Operation Re- ty was successively able to improve on juvenation] in 1985. Large sections of its results by 1-2%. In 2003, it obtained the party leadership were replaced by its best result with 11.6% and 18 seats young VB members, and Vlaams Blok in the Chamber of Deputies and 11.3% Jongeren (the youth organisation of the and 5 seats in the Senate. In elections VB) was founded in 1987. In this period, to the Flemish Parliament in 2004, the the issue of immigration was emerg- VB was the second largest party in par- ing on the political agenda, culminating liament with 24.2% of the vote, but did

COUNTRY REPORT: BELGIUM 18 19 COUNTRY REPORT: BELGIUM Vlaams Belang obtained 9.9% of the and since 1999 he has been Chief Edi- THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Flemish vote in the 2009 European Par- tor of the party magazine of the Vlaams Belgium - Vlaams Belang liamentary elections. After Philip Claeys Blok and subsequently Vlaams Bel- and Frank Vanhecke had initially en- ang. Claeys frequently rails in Parlia- tered Parliament on behalf of VB, in ment against the European Union and November 2011 Vanhecke announced against immigration, and links every is- that he was leaving VB and moving sue with it: across to the Europe of Freedom and Democracy (EFD) group. It had previ- “Thus, for instance, we are seeing ously been assumed that Vanhecke the return of tuberculosis, a disease would move to the N-VA, but he in fact that, until recently, had completely, joined the EFD group as a non-attached or nearly completely, disappeared member. However, he has never made from Europe and that is now be- a secret of his sympathies for the N-VA, ing imported again through mass having stated that: migration. So here too, urgent ac- tion is needed.[...]. It is naturally of “As a Flemish nationalist, you would the greatest importance that public today do better to vote for the N-VA health policy should be given prima- Philip Claeys Frank Vanhecke rather than for Vlaams Belang.”26 cy over political correctness.”29

Born on 24.05.1965 in Ghent. De- Born on 30.05.1959 in Bruges. In the course of his political life, Van- He also supports complete freedom of gree in translation (1988). Post- Member of the Europe of Freedom hecke has been a member of several opinion, quoted here in connection with graduate qualification in marketing and Democracy group, Vice-Chair/ Flemish nationalist organisations and the discharge of the 2007 budget of the (1991). 1995-99: Chairman, Vlaams Member of the Bureau. Degree has been an MEP since 1999. However, European Union Agency for Fundamen- Blok youth wing. Chief Editor of the in literature and philosophy (com- he lost his immunity in 2008 because of tal Rights: Vlaams Blok magazine. 1995-2003: munication sciences) (1981). Gen- an article in a party journal, but appealed Group Secretary of the Vlaams Blok eral Chairman, Vlaams Blok (since against this decision at the beginning “I am voting against discharge be- in the Flemish Parliament; since 1996). Member of the Bruges City of 2009.27 In the European Parliament, cause the European Union Agency 1995: member of the party execu- Council (1994-1996 and since Vanhecke takes a stance against im- for Fundamental Rights is a com- tive. Member and Deputy Chairman 2000). Group leader in the Senate migration, is in favour of “watertight ex- pletely superfluous agency and is of the “Identity, Tradition, Sover- (May 2003 to July 2004). Member ternal borders”, against Turkish entry to also hostile to the right of freedom eignty” group which was wound up of the European Parliament (1994- the EU and against “eurocratic obstina- of expression.” in November 2007. Member of the 2003 and again since 2004). Dep- cy” He saw under Berlusconi as a European Parliament since 2003. uty Secretary-General, Technical “model of freedom, freedom of expres- What Claeys meant exactly by this right Non-attached. Committees: Foreign Group of the European Right (1989- sion and press diversity.”28 was explained at a talk he gave on the Affairs (substitute), Civil Liberties, 1994). Committees: Budgetary subject of “Where is Europe going?” to Justice and Home Affairs (member). Control (substitute), Human Rights Philip Claeys has been an MEP since the Austrian Association of Fraternities (member), Development (member) 2003, succeeding Karel Dillen, who [Burschenschaftliche Gemeinschaft] retired for health reasons. From 1995 chaired by the extreme right-wing Olym- to1999 he was Chairman of the youth pia Fraternity. A report by the Associa- organisation Vlaams Blok Jongeren, tion states that:

COUNTRY REPORT: BELGIUM 20 21 COUNTRY REPORT: BELGIUM “The next speaker, Philipp Claeys common Europe can, however, only MEP, focused in his talk on the stand on the foundation of a broad problem of freedom of opinion, interpretation of the freedom of which is increasingly under threat. opinion, for which reason the fight As a member of Vlaams Belang, the for this should be given top prior- banning of the Vlaams Blok was still ity.”30 a bad memory, and he used various examples to show how the freedom Claeys maintains close contacts to of expression is being curtailed other right-wing populist and extremist by political correctness and is ulti- parties and organisations. For exam- mately being made impossible. The ple, he attended the Fraternities’ Ball at corresponding “anti-racism laws” the Hofburg in Vienna in 2012, meeting would lead to nationalist-minded Marine Le Pen and Swedish right-wing politicians not only being muzzled extremists, among others.31 but even persecuted by the law. A

COUNTRY REPORT: BULGARIA

Proportional representation 4% hurdle

THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SITUATION IN BULGARIA

Various right-wing extremist groups and parties were already forming just be- fore the political changes of 1989 and the accompanying economic and po- litical reforms. They were above all op- posed to the growing influence of Mus- lim and Turkish groups in Bulgaria, e.g. against the Party Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) founded in 1990, which primarily stood up for the rights of the Turkish minority. A “policy of Bul-

COUNTRY REPORT: BELGIUM 22 23 COUNTRY REPORT: BULGARIA garianisation” among the Turkish minor- was between the Bulgarian Socialist eign investors and corrupt politicians Ataka gained 9.4% of the vote in the ity (with the banning of the Turkish lan- party (BSP, the pre-1990 governing Bul- in a programme entitled “Ataka”. In the parliamentary elections, again winning guage, culture and names) in the 1980s garian ) and the con- 2006 presidential elections, Siderov 21 seats. Ataka initially uncondition- had given rise to serious tensions and servative Union of Democratic Forces obtained 21.5% of the vote in the first ally supported a minority government the creation of Turkish underground or- (SDS) founded by the democratic op- round and thus qualified for the run-off, by the right-wing conservative GERB ganisations. Open hostility to Roma and position. The economic reforms, which in which he was able to improve his Party. After Ataka supporters attacked anti-Semitism also grew in the years were also designed to enable Bulgaria result to 24.1% of the vote. Ataka de- the Banya Bashi Mosque in Sofia in following 1990.32 During these years, to join the European Union, mainly ben- mands a mono-ethnic Bulgaria cover- May 2011, threw eggs at Muslims and a number of right-wing extremist par- efited foreign investors and the urban ing Macedonia, the Turkish Province of chanted “Turks out!”, three Ataka MPs ties were formed, although they largely elite. In the predominantly agricultural Edirne, parts of Northern Greece and left the party in protest against the at- failed to achieve any appreciable influ- rural areas there are still high levels of Southern Serbia and stretching right up tack. In 2011, a total of eleven MPs left ence in parliament. One exception was unemployment and corruption. With the to the Danube Delta in Romania.36 Ataka the party because of internal disputes. the ultra-nationalist and populist Inner rapprochement towards the European also demands withdrawal from NATO, Macedonian Revolutionary Organisa- Union, the ultra-nationalist and right- a renegotiation of the EU Accession The Bulgarian Section of the Helsinki tion (IMRO or VMRO), which did record wing extremist positions within the main Treaty and the breaking-off of relations Committee for Human Rights recently some electoral successes at regional parties were marginalised in order not with the International Monetary Fund observed a worrying escalation of vio- and national level.33 Most recently it to jeopardise their acceptance by the and the World Bank. Under the slogan lence against ethnic and religious mi- was represented in the National Parlia- European party groups.34 Even though “Give Bulgaria back to the Bulgarians”, norities in Bulgaria. The European Com- ment between 2005 and 2009 with five opinion polls showed that a broad ma- Ataka rants against the DPS and ad- mission against Racism and Intolerance members, but in 2009 failed to win any jority of the population supported EU vocates a ban on Turkish-language TV (ECRI) has also found that racially- seats in either the National or European accession, the political vacuum that programmes. It chants slogans such as motivated violence is often classified Parliaments. Also still active, although emerged ultimately benefited the far- “Condemn Gypsies to Work Camps!”, by the security forces as “rowdiness” without any influence in parliament, is right parties. “All Roma are criminals”, “Homosexu- or as non-politically-motivated and has the right-wing extremist Bulgarian Na- als are sick” and “Politicians grunt like called on Bulgaria to take against tional Radical party (BNRP), which in Shortly before the 2005 parliamentary swine”, and demands the elevation of these irregularities. Moreover, in 2007 1991 demonstrated in front of the build- elections, the far-right Ataka (“Attack”) the Orthodox faith to the state religion. the European Court of Human Rights ing of the Constituent Assembly, chant- Party was formed and immediately Ataka maintains good relations with oth- condemned Bulgaria for dragging out ing slogans against the parliamentary gained slightly less than 9% of the vote, er European right-wing extremist and the investigations in a case involving representation of the Turkish minority. enabling it to enter Parliament with 21 populist parties. For example, Jean-Ma- the murder of a Roma and for the fact The BNRP calls for a fight against Jews (out of 240) seats as the fourth-largest rie Le Pen (Front National) appeared as that the racist motives of the perpetrator and Roma and maintains close con- force. Shortly after the elections, the a guest speaker at local election cam- were disregarded.37 tacts with the violent Neo-Nazi skinhead party published a list of 1,500 Bulgarian paign events in 2007. Most recently, scene. However, any attempts by far- Jews on its website under the heading right parties to enter the National Par- “The Jews are a dangerous, plague- liament proved unsuccessful until 2005. infested race ...”. 35 The founder and The reasons for this lie in the large ex- chairman of the party is Volen Siderov. tent to which nationalist positions are in- He is the author of several books on the tegrated within the major parties and in “global Jewish conspiracy” and regular- the polarised division of political debate ly rants on the TV station SKAT (which during the transition process. During the has close links to the party) against 1990s, the main political confrontation Jews, Roma, Turks, homosexuals, for-

COUNTRY REPORT: BULGARIA 24 25 COUNTRY REPORT: BULGARIA As the fourth-largest Bulgarian party, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Ataka obtained 12% (2007: 14.2%) of Bulgaria the vote in the European Parliament elections and was thus able to appoint both Dimitar Stoyanov and Slavi Binev as non-attached MEPs. Both of them Member of the Euro-Mediterranean have recently left Ataka (see below). Parliamentary Assembly. Member It remains to be seen how their work of the Intergroup for friendship with will develop with their new parties and Azerbaijan, the Intergroup for friend- whether they will join parliamentary ship with China, the Intergroup for groups. It is therefore only possible here friendship with Serbia, and the In- to examine their work to date as mem- tergroup for friendship with Macao. bers of Ataka. Archon of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (since 2006). Non-attached. In the election campaign, Ataka an- Committees: Human Rights (substi- nounced that its main aims were to pre- tute), Economic and Monetary Af- vent Turkish accession to the EU and to fairs (member). represent the interests of Bulgaria in the European Union.

Slavi Binev Dimitar Stoyanov

Born on 10.12.1965 in Sofia. De- Born on 17.05.1983 in Sofia. Mas- gree from Vasil Levski National ter’s Degree in Law (distinction) Sports Academy, Sofia (1990). from St Kliment Ohridski University, Doctorate at the Institute of Psy- Sofia (2011). Founder and Vice- chology, Bulgarian Academy of Sci- Chairman (2005 - 2011) of the Ataka ences (2004-2009). Coach of the Party. Founder and Chairman of the Bulgarian national taekwondo team National Democratic Party (since (1985). Multiple Bulgarian national 2012). MP in the 40th National As- taekwondo champion. Taekwondo sembly of the Republic of Bulgaria champion of the Balkans (1990). Eu- (2005 - 2007). Parliamentary Sec- ropean taekwondo champion (Open retary in the 40th National Assem- Taekwondo Championships in bly (2006 - 2006). Observer in the Celje, Slovenia, 1992). Main share- European Parliament (2005 - 2006). holder and chairman of the board of Member of the Governing Board of directors of ‘ER System Holdings’ the Bulgarian Fencing Federation plc (since 1994). Vice-president of (2011). Non-attached. Committees: the Bulgarian Taekwondo Federa- Regional Development (substitute), tion (1996-2008). Member of the Agriculture and Rural Development European Parliament since 2007. (substitute), Legal Affairs (member).

COUNTRY REPORT: BULGARIA 26 27 COUNTRY REPORT: BULGARIA Dimitar Stoyanov, stepson of party when Bulgarian citizens get killed or be ideologically close to the True Finns “The text was supported by repre- chairman Siderov, is a founding mem- raped and no one does anything to and the Slovene National Party (SNS). sentatives from all member states ber and has been the deputy chairman catch the criminal […]This is racism of the union and from all the political of Ataka. He belonged to the delegation against the Bulgarians in their own Slavi Binev has been an MEP since groups in parliament, which shows of Bulgarian EU observers from August country.”39 Bulgaria’s accession to the EU. The for- the attitude they have towards our 2005 to March 2006 and has been an mer Balkan and European taekwondo MEP in European institutions.”42 MEP ever since the accession of Bul- Stoyanov also makes no attempt to hide champion is an influential businessman garia to the EU in 2007. Even in his role his anti-Semitic world view: in the entertainment, construction and Binev uses such initiatives to “de-de- as an observer, Stoyanov came out with security sectors. Binev likes to present monise” himself and present himself as racist and sexist statements. About Lívia “We do not speak usually about the himself to the public as a respected and a partner for the future. As a member Járóka, a member of the Roma commu- Jews. We speak about the Middle committed MEP who transcends party of the Economic and Monetary Affairs nity and MEP for the Hungarian Fidesz East problems. We defend the Pal- boundaries. For example, with Committee and rapporteur for extend- party, who was to receive the prize of estinians […] There are a lot of pow- the Maltese social democrat John At- ing the mandate of the European Bank “Best Parliamentarian 2006”, he stated erful Jews, with a lot of money, who tard-Montalto, the British conservative for Reconstruction and Development, in an e-mail to all MEPs and assistants: are paying the media to form the Nirj Deva, the Italian conservative Mario he is already influencing policy within social awareness of the people […] Mauro and the Finnish liberal Hannu the Parliament. On his website, Binev “In my country there are tens of They also playing with economic Takkula, he drafted a written declaration reports of meetings with representa- thousands of Gypsy girls who are crises in countries like Bulgaria and on introducing the “Chess in Schools” tives of the stock markets and multina- much more beautiful than this hon- getting rich. These are the concrete programme into the education systems tional financial corporations,43 and of his ourable one […] You can even buy realities.”40 of the European Union. Patronage of speech to the Crans Montana Forum in yourself a loving wife aged 12 or 13 this declaration was assumed by Jerzy March 2012.44 At the end of April 2012, ... The best of them are very expen- He also sees himself as a victim of a Buzek, President of the European Par- Binev introduced the Civil Union for sive – up to €5,000 each. Wow!“38 conspiracy on the part of the European liament up to January 2012. Binev com- Real Democracy Party (GORD) after elite, which he claims has launched a mented on the adoption of the Declara- announcing his resignation from Ataka. Shortly after this, Stoyanov made the media campaign against Ataka: tion by Parliament on his website: following comment to The Telegraph about work-shy Roma who sold their “We have messed up their plans for children and were criminals: distribution of power and so they hate us very much and will try any- “How do you expect me to treat thing to destroy us.”41 normally someone who sold his daughter like an animal? This is After Stoyanov demanded the resigna- a 12 or 13-year-old girl. No one tion of Ataka Party Chairman Siderov else is doing this, only the Roma because of the latter’s poor perfor- […] They do a lot of other crimes mance in the 2011 presidential elec- too, murder, rapes, burglary, when tions (winning only 3.7% of the vote), police come to investigate these Stoyanov was expelled from the party crimes and understand the suspect in November 2011. Shortly afterwards, is a Roma they drop the investiga- he announced the formation of a new tion because they fear an ethnic ar- party called the National Democratic rest. This is not right […] Racism is Party. He is planning a party which will

COUNTRY REPORT: BULGARIA 28 29 COUNTRY REPORT: BULGARIA The Frp was initially a populist/neo-lib- achieved 7.4% of the vote, but this had eral protest party, which early on cam- increased to 12% by 2001. From 2001, paigned above all against income tax, the DF even tolerated a minority gov- achieving around 11% -16% in elections ernment between the liberal Venstre to the Danish Parliament in the 1970s. (V) party under Prime Minister Anders However, Frp was not interested in se- Fogh Rasmussen and the conservative rious cooperation with the established Det Konservative Folkeparti (K). This parties. While its success in subse- coalition survived two elections until quent elections crumbled (1981: 8.9 %; the Social Democrats (S) finally formed 1984: 3.6 %), the Frp increasingly agi- a government in 2011 without DF par- tated against immigration. From 1983 ticipation. DF’s strong political position to 1985, Glistrup had to serve a prison over more than a decade has neverthe- sentence for tax evasion, and his seat less left clear traces in Danish politics. in parliament was taken over by Pia Above all, immigration policy has been Kjærsgaard, who would later co-found tightened and was even criticised by and chair the Dansk Folkeparti (DF) the Human Rights Commissioner of the [Danish People’s Party]. Kjærsgaard in 2004. Legislation played a crucial role in shifting the par- governing aliens was amended or tight- ty’s focus in terms of issues and was in- ened a total of 76 times between 2001 terested in serious cooperation with the and 2011.47 In 2011, Denmark was criti- established parties in the Danish Parlia- cised by the European institutions be- COUNTRY REPORT: DENMARK ment. During the 1987 electoral cam- cause, under pressure from the DF, bor- paign, Kjærsgaard stood as the Frp’s der controls were reintroduced in order Proportional representation with leading candidate, securing the party to combat cross-border crime. multiple allocation on the basis of minor gains in 1987 (with 4.8% of the regions and a multi-member con- vote) and clear gains in the early elec- As stated above, immigration is one of stituencies. tions of 1988 (9.0%). After Kjærsgaard the party’s central issues. It stresses a 2% hurdle or a direct mandate. failed to be elected as party chairman national identity and presents itself as in 1995 due to internal battles within the the defender of a national Danish cul- party, she and a few other members left ture and identity. It argues that Christian Gesellschaftliche und politische the Frp and, in the same year, founded values are incompatible with the culture Situation in Dänemark the DF. Thereafter, the Frp repeatedly of non-western countries. The DF above lost votes in elections and has not been all sees Islam as a threat. Its work pro- Right-wing extremist parties were represented in the Danish Parliament gramme reads as follows: formed relatively late in Denmark after since 2001. Despite a further radicalisa- the end of the Second World War. The tion towards the extreme right, the party “It has proved particularly difficult Fremskridtspartiet (Frp) [Progress Par- has since become insignificant in politi- to integrate refugees and immi- ty] founded by Morgens Glistrup in 1972 cal and parliamentary terms.46 grants with a Muslim background. can be viewed as the first party from [...] There is no society in the world a broad right-wing extremist context Since its formation in 1995, the DF has where a peaceful integration of to have achieved electoral success.45 consistently gained votes. In 1998 it Muslims into another culture has

COUNTRY REPORT: DENMARK 30 31 COUNTRY REPORT: DENMARK been possible. It is irresponsible to DF member and used to belong to the through the vandalism of the many “The National Socialist Movement inflict a cultural clash on Denmark party executive in Aarhus, Denmark’s anti-social second-generation immi- of Denmark (DNSB) is an organisa- that threatens to have very serious second-largest city. A least one other DF grants.”54 tion of Danish men and women who, consequences. [...] We must rec- member has been involved in the right- believing their existence is at stake, ognise the need for our society to wing extremist network. There are also Denmark is assuming an important po- are promoting the National Socialist protect itself from being overrun.”48 other links between far-right groups and sition within the European right-wing ex- world view. [...] It is obvious that the [omissions in the original version] the DF. The influential Danish MP Søren tremist scene. In contrast to most other National Socialist revolution cannot Krarup, for example, maintains contacts Western European countries, Nazi sym- take place in a small and isolated This struck a chord amongst the pub- with the right-wing extremist group Den bols are not banned, and the country Northern European country. There- lic. In 2001, 40% of the Danish popula- Dankse Forening [the Danish Associa- allows far-reaching freedom of speech. fore, the DNSB cooperates with tion considered immigration to be one tion].51 In 2007, he even gave a speech There are close contacts with right-wing other like-minded organisations of society’s most important issues.49 on the occasion of the Danish Asso- extremist groups throughout Europe. and individuals in other countries. The DF is keen to avoid being associ- ciation’s 20th anniversary.52 Krarup is Many right-wing extremists, including Therefore, the DNSB cooperates ated with right-wing extremists, so can- a major opponent of immigration and Germans, exploit the relatively lax Dan- with other like-minded organisa- didates in national parliamentary elec- above all sees Islam as a threat: ish laws to produce and sell music and tions and individuals in other coun- tions have to be approved by the party other products. In this relatively open tries. [...] The DNSB acknowledges leadership. This party leadership is very “All western countries are infil- atmosphere, the Danish National-So- its historical identity, and sees its much controlled from above, mainly by trated by Muslims - some speak cialist Movement [Danmarks National- mission as being to carry on and Kjærsgaard herself, in order to prevent nicely to us while waiting until there socialistiske Bevægelse (DNSB) makes develop the ideas of ’s individuals from jeopardising electoral are enough of them to beat us to no attempt to conceal its aims. Its web- National Socialist movement.55 success by making extreme right-wing death”.53 site contains the following statements: statements. Nevertheless, links with the right-wing extremist scene do ex- The DF is opposed to further Europe- ist. More recently, in August 2011, the an integration and wants to strengthen findings of an extensive research study public welfare for Danes. However, the carried out by an anti-fascist group at- party often links this issue with immigra- tracted attention. The study reported on tion. For example, Kjærsgaard has said a right-wing terrorist network known as that: the ORG. This group, with around 100 members, operates a network within “The social security act is outdated politics, the police, business and the because it was tailored to the Dan- media, and contacts also exist with right- ish family tradition and work ethic wing extremist groups outside Den- and not to Muslims who think it is mark. The ORG has created files on its right to let others look after them political opponents and has also passed while their wives give birth to many this information on to other groups that children. Child benefit is exploited espouse violence.50 A leading member so that an immigrant is able to earn also infiltrated the Danish police in or- a top income simply on the basis of der to obtain additional information from the number of children he has. Sen- police criminal and civil records. The tences for gang rape must be raised leader of the ORG, Jesper Nielsen, is a since this problem only came about

COUNTRY REPORT: DENMARK 32 33 COUNTRY REPORT: DENMARK lieves the single currency has failed. He politics, to actually prevent the access THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT is chairman of the Turkey Assessment of Turkey to the EU; in other words, Denmark Group within Parliament, an open dis- through efforts of political persuasion cussion group which meets regularly to and compromise proposals. What re- discuss problems relating to Turkish ac- ally lies behind his rejection of Turkish cession to the EU. Although advocates accession became clear in 2006 in an of Turkish membership are regularly in- interview which Messerschmidt gave to vited to attend and are able to speak, Frontpage Magazine: the group is nevertheless critical of Tur- key. In a contribution to the newspaper “Europe will – maybe not in 20, but Hürriyet in 2011, Messerschmidt voices rather 30-40 years from now – have his ideas concerning the role of Turkey a Muslim majority of population, if in Europe: nothing is done. That’ll mean the end of our culture and the end of “[…] [I]t is not my aim to oust Tur- European civilization.”59 The DF won 15.3% of the vote in the key from the European House. European Parliament elections and was On the contrary, it is my firm belief thus able to significantly improve its re- that Europe and Turkey need each sult compared to 2004 (6.8%). Morten other as “cousins”. Europe and Tur- Messerschmidt and Anna Rosbach key are neighbours, and a sound entered Parliament in 2009 for the DF. neighbourhood should be built upon Rosbach left the DF in March 2011 and a foundation of mutual trust and joined the European Conservatives and understanding, thus aiming at di- Reformists Group (ECR) as a non-at- minishing and closing the existing tached member. She indicated her rea- cultural and political gap between sons as follows: Turkey and Europe.”57

“After careful reflections on the Messerschmidt’s criticism is strongly policies and rhetoric of my party, it aimed at the Turkish Government under Morten Messerschmidt is clear to me that I no longer rep- Erdoğan, whom he accuses of having resent this view. […] I have been curtailed press freedom and the free- Born on 13.11.1980 in Fred- concerned about the direction of the dom of opinion in Turkey. But what re- erikssund. Degree in Law from the party for some time.”56 ally hides behind his apparently reason- University of Copenhagen. Member able words? of the Danish Parliament (2005- Messerschmidt, previously a member 2009). Member of the European of the Danish National Parliament from Messerschmidt, who describes himself Parliament since 2009. European 2005, is a member and vice-chairman of as a realist and pragmatist, has already of Freedom and Democracy group. the European of Freedom and Democ- made compromises in order to gain in- Behind the façade of apparently objec- Committees: Legal Affairs (substi- racy group (EFD). He deals with issues fluence.58 As part of this strategic ap- tive discussions in the Turkey Assess- tute), Constitutional Affairs (Vice- relating to further European integration proach, he is seeking, under the cloak ment Group hides a pronounced anti- Chair). in the time of the euro crisis and be- of a (partly justified) criticism of Turkish Muslim racism. In the same interview,

COUNTRY REPORT: DENMARK 34 35 COUNTRY REPORT: DENMARK Messerschmidt made no secret of his He believes his country is permanently world view: under threat from “foreigners”. On the reintroduction of Danish border con- “It is well known that the Muslim trols, he commented that: immigrants are disproportional in representing crime records; that the “We are fed up with Polish, Lithu- hate towards Jews is increasing in anian and Romanian trucks cross- Europe, because of these groups. ing our borders empty in the morn- […] In many European countries ing and leaving in the evening full of we speak about the necessity of televisions and stereos stolen from changing the welfare-payments, but Danish holiday homes”.62 the truth is that if we did not have the Muslim burden, many of these But the main threat ultimately comes changes would not be required.”60 from Muslim immigration into Europe and Denmark, which he believes must For Messerschmidt, European immigra- be stopped. This is clearly also the aim tion policy should be realigned: firstly of Messerschmidt’s work in the Turkey European rules for Europeans, sec- Assessment Group. ondly rules for other western countries elsewhere in the world. And for the rest: As Vice-Chairman of the European Par- COUNTRY REPORT: liament’s Committee on Constitutional UNITED KINGDOM “And then a third set of rules for the Affairs, he will also promote a European third world, who in general do not citizen’s initiative against the possible “First-past-the-post” in 650 single- really offer anything we can benefit EU accession of Turkey.63 member constituencies. Dispropor- from, speaking of education, labour tional electoral system. The person craft and knowledge.”61 winning the most votes is elected to the House of Commons.

THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SITUATION IN THE UK

From the end of the Second World War right up to the 1990s, significant elec- toral successes by right-wing extremist parties were very much the exception in the UK. Some partial success in local elections was achieved above all by the British National Party, founded in 1960 and wound up seven years later64 and by the (NF), which was

COUNTRY REPORT: DENMARK 36 37 COUNTRY REPORT: UNITED KINGDOM formed in 1967 but remained very much the BNP was a racist party, Richard Ed- 2010, the BNP attracted 563,743 votes, world view. “While the number of seats at the margins. For example, the British monds, deputy leader up to the end of or 1.9%. It was thus unable to achieve contested by the BNP is not large in National Party won 9.1% of the vote in the 1990s, stated that: “We are 100 per its ambitious aim of winning two seats. absolute terms it does indicate that the the constituency of Southall in the west cent racist, yes.”66 Nick Griffin (mem- Nevertheless, it had almost trebled its party is building local support bases in of London in1964. The NF was mainly ber of the NF up to 1989, and member vote compared to 2005, when it had ob- certain areas.”68 It is notable that the successful in the 1970s on issues relat- of the BNP since 1995) took over the tained 192,746 votes (0.7%). Although BNP is still the UK’s most success- ing to immigration and won up to 16% BNP leadership from Tyndall in 1999. the party failed to win any seats in the ful far-right party in terms of electoral of the vote in individual wards in local The latter had increasingly come under House of Commons, it has still been performance. However, the country’s elections. It continues to demand the criticism in the 1990s because of fail- able to continue building support over “first-past-the-post” system marginal- (if necessary, forcible) repatriation of ure to build on the party’s initial minor recent years: in 1992 it only won around ises smaller parties. If there had been immigrants from Great Britain. Due to electoral successes. After his election 7,600 votes, but by 2001 this had risen proportional representation, it is possi- the party’s lack of success in the par- to party leader, Griffin tried visibly to to more than 47,000. It was mainly the ble that the BNP would have won seats liamentary elections of 1979, open in- change the party’s image, doing away increased turnout of 65.1% (compared in the House of Commons. ternal disagreements broke out, even- with the image of a and ag- to 61.3% in 2005) that enabled the dem- tually leading to the departure in 1980 gressive behaviour at public marches.67 ocratic parties to cancel out this growth. Alongside the BNP and NF, the Eng- of John Tyndall, who had been leader He hoped in this way to be able to ad- The BNP achieved its best result in land First Party, the Britain First Party, of the party since 1976 (and previously dress a broader electorate, even though the constituency of Barking (Greater the New Nationalist Party, the Freedom in the period 1972-74). Tyndall had at he personally remained closely linked to London), where party leader Nick Grif- Party and the British People’s Party are the time already been convicted sev- the far right. Above all, the BNP blames fin won 14.8% of the vote. The BNP is currently active in Great Britain, but they eral times, including in 1962 for having non-white immigrants for the lack of jobs mainly successful in local and regional are all marginalised in the political de- founded a paramilitary group. Since the and general social problems. When, on elections and is seeking in the longer bate and have not achieved any elec- 1990s, the NF has been fighting with a 26 May 2001, ethnic tensions in Old- term to persuade people to adopt its toral successes worth mentioning. small and outdated membership, fail- ham/Greater Manchester spilt over into ing to achieve any electoral success.65 violent confrontations between white In 1982, parts of the NF membership and Asian youngsters, the BNP ranted founded the current British National against “Muslim gangs”. Shortly after, Party (BNP), again under the leadership the BNP achieved its best-ever result in of John Tyndall. However, in the 1980s parliamentary elections, taking 3.9% of the governing Conservative Party under the vote. In Oldham, Griffin was able to Margaret Thatcher understood the need win 16.4% of the vote. In Burnley, where to address some of the issues of the there had also been violent confronta- right-wing extremists. Internal wrangling tions, the BNP benefited with 11.3% of prevented any further major successes the vote. Despite the change of image in the political debate. under Griffin, the BNP clearly continues to belong to the fascist tradition. Until In October 1990, the EP Commission a change was forced by a court ruling on Racism and Xenophobia (today the at the beginning of 2010, party mem- EUMC) observed that the BNP was bership was reserved exclusively for an: “openly Nazi party ... whose lead- whites. ership have serious criminal convic- tions”. In reply to the question whether In the last general election on 6 October

COUNTRY REPORT: UNITED KINGDOM 38 39 COUNTRY REPORT: UNITED KINGDOM The BNP entered the European Par- extinction. A stark choice. UNITE THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT liament for the first time ever with two OR DIE!”71 United Kingdom seats (6.5%). Nick Griffin and Andrew Henry William Brons have since been In 1998, he was charged with incite- representing the BNP in the EP as non- ment to racial hatred because of an arti- attached members. They were elected cle in “The Rune” and ended up in court. above all on immigration-related issues Griffin responded to the accusations by and for their strong anti-EU stance. Dur- stating that: ing the election campaign, the BNP sent its supporters to election rallies dressed “I am well aware that the orthodox as pigs wallowing in banknotes who opinion is that 6 million Jews were were then beaten by people in bright gassed and cremated and turned waistcoats chanting the slogan “Punish into lampshades. Orthodox opinion the pigs!”.69 Their slogan “British Jobs also once held that the world is flat for British Workers” struck a chord with … I have reached the conclusion many voters in times of economic crisis. that the ‘extermination’ tale is a mix- The BNP’s main gains were made in the ture of Allied wartime propaganda, strongholds of the Labour Party, which extremely profitable lie, and latter had been weakened by the expenses witch-hysteria.”72 scandal in the British Parliament. Griffin was sentenced to a two-year sus- The BNP rejects the euro and advo- pended sentence and ordered to pay a cates British withdrawal from the Euro- fine of £2,300. pean Union. It demands a coexistence Nick Griffin Andrew Brons of states along the model of a “Europe Shortly after his election to the Euro- of Fatherlands” with a free market but pean Parliament, Griffin attracted at- Born on 01.03.1959 in Barnet. Law Born on 16.07.1947 in London. without economic integration.70 tention with his comments that boats degree, MA (Hons.) from the Uni- Political studies at the University carrying refugees from North Africa to versity of Cambridge. Member of of York. Lecturer at Harrogate Col- Nick Griffin, leader of the BNP and Europe should be sunk as a deterrent. the British National Party (BNP), lege. Member of the European Par- member since 1995, was editor of the The reason for his concern was that party spokesman (since 1995). liament since 2009. Non-attached. party newspaper “The Rune and Spear- Europe would be flooded by the “third Leader of the British National Party Committees: Civil Liberties, Justice head” between 1995 and 1997. In the world”. When questioned by BBC jour- (since 1999). Member of the Euro- and Home Affairs (substitute), Con- articles he has published, he has never nalists, Griffin stated that a life raft could pean Parliament since 2009. Non- stitutional Affairs (member). made any secret of his ideology: be thrown to the refugees so that they attached. Committees: Industry, would not drown and could swim back Research and Energy (substitute), “Mass alien immigration and sui- to Libya. Environment, Public Health and cidally low birthrate mean that the Food Safety (member) White Race is poised on the brink of The Parliament’s decision to award the a precipice of rapid and irreversible Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought decline. If we do not step back now, (also known as the EU Human Rights we face political and then physical Prize) to activists in the Arab Spring

COUNTRY REPORT: UNITED KINGDOM 40 41 COUNTRY REPORT: UNITED KINGDOM gave rise to the following tweet by Grif- teristics, potential and abilities […] at the same time denies that Breivik was ist. Brons and the BNP were supported fin: “Sakharov Prize this year going to We believe the gradual dismantle- a “true” nationalist, claiming that he had in his complaint about the conduct dur- “Arab Spring”. Sick joke as it neo-con ment of the system over only acted out of opposition to Muslim ing the memorial ceremony in plenary scam that opens door to Islamist ex- the last 17 years to be retrograde ... immigration, and the attacks had been by the Austrian FPÖ, the FN and the tremists.”73 The alternative to Apartheid, multi- planned for Zionist motives. In this way, Greater Romania Party. BNP mem- racialism, envisages an extinction Brons is seeking to detract from the de- bers are also happy to mix with other Andrew Henry William Brons began of the White man.”75 legitimisation of racist and xenophobic right-wing populists and extremists on his political career in 1964 as a mem- views, distance himself from Breivik other occasions. BNP representatives ber of the National Socialist Movement In 2009, when asked about his life and, and, moreover, implicitly brand him the also took part in the trip to the Yasukuni (NSM), an organisation founded in 1962 above all, his thoughts concerning at- actual enemy of all true nationalists. Shrine in Tokyo (see the Country Report by the well-known right-wing extremists tacks on synagogues, Brons replied: Breivik did indeed turn out to be a Zion- on France). and John Tyndall. He was “People do silly things when they are also quick to reveal his anti-Semitic ide- 17.” However, in a letter to President ology. In 1965 in a letter to Françoise Jerzy Buzek of September 2011, it be- Dior, Colin Jordan’s wife, he wrote: comes clear that Brons by no means distances himself, at the age of more “Also, however, he mentioned such than 60, from his racist, anti-Semitic activities as bombing synagogues. and xenophobic attitudes of the past. On this subject I have a dual view, Some MEPs from other parties made in that although I realise he is well- it clear during a memorial ceremony in intentioned, I feel that our public im- plenary following the right-wing extrem- age may suffer considerable dam- ist attacks in Oslo in July 2011 that the age as a result of these activities. I far-right views of the perpetrator Anders am however open to correction on Behring Breivik were the real motivation this point.”74 for his hate crimes. Brons commented:

Shortly afterwards, Brons moved to the “Martin Schulz, Guy Verhofstadt, British National Party and eventually to Daniel Cohn-Bendit and Diana the National Front. He was elected NF Dodds spoke as though Breivik’s Chairman in 1979. In 1983, as head real crime was being a racist, a of the policy department, he published xenophobe or a person on the ‘far the National Front’s election manifesto, right’ and not the appalling murder which called for a worldwide system of of seventy-six young persons […] apartheid. Later in the same document [Breivik] was not a Nationalist and came the following statement: his opposition to immigration would seem to be restricted to opposition “The National Front rejects the to Muslim immigration. Breivik is a whole concept of multiracialism. Zionist […]. “76 We recognise inherent racial differ- ences in Man. The races of Man are Brons thus regards his explicitly racist profoundly unequal in their charac- and xenophobic views as “normal” and

COUNTRY REPORT: UNITED KINGDOM 42 43 COUNTRY REPORT: UNITED KINGDOM the experiences of the Vichy Regime the vote. The reasons for this could be and, not least, the strong pulling power found in a growing dissatisfaction with of Gaullism for nationalist and patriotic the established parties, the growing tendencies were the reasons for this. feeling within the French population of Nevertheless, far-right groups that were impending crisis and the FN’s flexible prepared to use violence did exist, and strategy for reacting to these problems, right-wing extremist parties did achieve By this time, the party was advocating a some electoral successes in post-war liberal economic policy and focusing on France. In 1956, the Union de défense the issues of internal security and im- des commerçants et artisans (UDCA) migration. A pro-European policy was [Union for the defence of small traders also being pursued.79 As early as 1986, and artisans] entered the National As- the FN fielded candidates in all 22 re- sembly for the first time with 52 mem- gions of France and obtained around bers, including Jean-Marie Le Pen, but 10% of the vote (winning 137 of the it soon disappeared into oblivion. 1969 1,682 available seats). As a result, the saw the creation of the Ordre Nouveau FN was able to influence the formation [New Order], a movement whose leader of coalitions in twelve regions. Strategic went on to found the Front National in agreements with the established parties COUNTRY REPORT: FRANCE 1972 in order to overcome the frag- and even five appointments for the FN mentation of the far-right camp. The marked the beginning of the party’s rise. Absolute majority voting with a run- leadership of Jean-Marie Le Pen was In 1986, following a change to the elec- off. A candidate who wins more supposed to unite anti-republicans, toral system, the FN entered the Na- than half of the vote cast in the first conservative Catholics and racists.78 tional Assembly for the first time, taking round automatically enters parlia- However, the Parti des forces nouvelles 35 seats. However, the other parties re- ment. A run-off vote will take place (PFN) [Party of new forces] quickly split fused to cooperate with it: of 9,152 mo- in the other constituencies between away in 1974 because of differences tions for statutory amendments lodged all candidates who have achieved concerning the leadership of the FN by the FN in two years, only one was at least 12.5% of the vote. The can- under Le Pen. The FN also remained discussed and eventually adopted.80 didate winning the relative majority weak at the level of election successes: Up to the end of the 1990s, the FN was then wins. Parties can agree be- in National Assembly elections in 1973, able to consolidate its position in elec- tween themselves who should run the party won 0.5% of the vote, a share tions to the National Assembly and in in the second round. which fell further to 0.2% in 1981. At regional and presidential elections at this time, the main issues championed up to 15% of the vote. This enabled it by the FN were public order, moral val- to continuously increase its influence, ues and Catholicism. Verbal attacks above all at regional level, and the par- THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SITUATION IN against immigrants tended to be the ty participated in coalitions for the first FRANCE exception. Even though the FN’s issues time. In 1998, the FN won a total of 275 remained essentially the same, the seats in regional councils. In terms of is- In French politics, right-wing extremists party achieved a breakthrough in 1983 sues, the party did not adapt its pro-Eu- were largely marginalised after 1945. in local elections and in 1984 in Euro- ropean stance until the beginning of the The trauma of the Second World War, pean elections, gaining around 11% of 1990s with the Maastricht referendum.

COUNTRY REPORT: FRANCE 44 45 COUNTRY REPORT: FRANCE During the Gulf War in 1990, the party Marion Maréchal-Le Pen, the niece of September 2008 by the Nouvelle Droite Both parties are marginalised, apart also moved away from its pro-American Jean-Marie Le Pen. Républicaine (NDR) [New Republican from a few electoral successes at local stance and now combined two issues: Right]. While the NDP tends towards an level. The same is true for the Parti de the United States wanted to promote a In January 2011, Marine Le Pen took openly far-right, anti-American and anti- la France (PDF), which broke away in capitalist “new world order”, while the over the leadership of the FN from her Semitic position, the NDR is more pro- 2009. EU was an instrument for achieving this father. She won against Bruno Gollnich, American and economically liberal.83 Americanisation and the obliteration of a holocaust denier and representative national identities.81 At the beginning of of the classic neo-Nazi tendency within 1999, the Mouvement national républic- the party. She wants to give the party ain (MNR) broke away from the FN, as a modern image and refrains from the a result of which the latter lost a large openly racist and anti-Semitic baiting part of its leadership. This was prompt- that was usual under her father. Marine ed by the question of the strategic ap- is in favour of women’s rights, does not proach to other right-wing extremist par- agitate against homosexuals and sup- ties and groups and the question of Le ports abortion, while of course at the Pen’s leadership style. In 1997, Le Pen same time calling on France to defend physically attacked a politician from the itself against the supposed danger of Is- Socialist party after his daughter Ma- lam. The offensive hostility to Muslims rine le Pen had lost a mayoral election and the EU, the postulating in favour of to the socialist candidate. As a result, a strong national state and priority “for Le Pen was banned from standing for our compatriots” in social and economic election for one year. The MNR initially policy have remained unchanged under obtained only 2-3% of the vote at elec- Marine Le Pen.82 On these issues, the tions, and is now regularly achieves FN is successfully driving forward the less than 1%. The FN again lost votes at established parties. The Union pour un national level between 2002 and 2007. movement populaire (UMP) [Union for The party also had to accept losses in a popular movement] and above all the terms of absolute results at regional former President Nicolas Sarkozy are level. At the 2002 presidential election, trying to win back votes with their na- a right-wing extremist party managed tionalistic speeches, their hard line on to advance to the second round of vot- internal security and their racist attacks ing for the first time. Le Pen achieved against Muslims and Roma. Sarkozy 16.9% (first round) and 17.8% (second caused a sensation in 2010 with his round). In 2007, he was defeated in the policy on the Roma and, in so doing, first round with 10.4% of the vote. In the gained sympathy from the right-wing 2012 elections, his daughter was elimi- extremist camp. After forced evictions nated in the first round with 17.9% of the at Roma settlements, he deported over vote. After the elections to the National 1,000 Roma. Assembly in June 2012, the FN took In June 2008, the Nouvelle Droite Popu- seats at national level for the first time laire (NDP) [New Popular Right] broke since 1997. One of the two deputies is away from the FN, to be followed in

COUNTRY REPORT: FRANCE 46 47 COUNTRY REPORT: FRANCE THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT France

Marine Le Pen Bruno Gollnisch Jean-Marie le Pen

Born on 05.08.1968 in Neuilly- Born on 28.01.1950 in Neuilly-sur- Born on 20.06.1928 in La Trinité- sur-Seine. Master’s degree in law Seine. Degree in Japanese and sur-Mer (Morbihan). Law degree (1990). Postgraduate diploma Malay/Indonesian from the Institute (licence). Higher degree (DES) in (DEA) in criminal law (1991). Diplo- of Oriental Languages (1971 and politics. Record publisher (1963- ma to practise as a lawyer (1991). 1973). Graduate in politics of the 1985). Founder and chair of the Lawyer practising in Paris (1992- Paris Institute of Political Studies Front National (FN). Member of 1998). Director of the National Front (1973). Doctor of law (Paris, 1978). the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur legal service (1998-2004). Deputy Lawyer practising before the Court Regional Council (1992-2000). chair of the Front National (FN) of Appeal in Paris (since 1980). Pro- Member of the National Assembly (since 2003). Member of Nord-Pas- fessor of Japanese language and (1956-1986). Chair of the National de-Calais Regional Council (1998- civilisation at the University of Lyons Front group in the National Assem- 2004). Member of the Île-de-France (since 1981). Member of the Nation- bly (1986). Rapporteur on the war Regional Council (2004-2009). al Front policy bureau (since 1986); budget (1958). Rapporteur on the Member of the European Parlia- National Front Secretary-General defence budget at the Sénat de la ment since 2004. Non-attached. (since 1995). Member of Lyons City Communauté (parliamentary as- Committees: International Trade Council (since 1996). Member of sembly for the French colonies). (substitute), Employment and So- the Rhône-Alpes Regional Council Member of the European Parlia- cial Affairs (member). (National Front Group chairman). ment since 1984 (with interrup- Member of the National Assembly tions). Non-attached. Committees: for Rhône (1986-1988). Member Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament since (substitute), Fisheries (member). 1989. Non-attached. Committees: Budget (substitute), Transport and Tourism (member).

COUNTRY REPORT: FRANCE 48 49 COUNTRY REPORT: FRANCE In the 2009 European Parliament elec- wars, occupations and cruel war crimes anti-Semitism has not entirely disap- berg trials. I think that the tragedy tions, the FN won a total of 6.3% of that Japan inflicted on its neighbours peared, it is nevertheless concealed of the concentration camps should the vote, around 600,000 fewer than in are downplayed as “holy wars”, and the behind an anti-Muslim racism. In con- continue to be discussed freely. His- 2004 (9.8%). Jean-Marie Le Pen, Ma- war criminals are honoured.86 trast to her father, it is therefore pos- torians are entitled to discuss the rine Le Pen and Bruno Gollnisch sit in sible for her to describe number of people killed and how Parliament as non-attached members. Marine Le Pen has been an MEP since as the “worst crime of the past”.89 Politi- they died.”90 2004. Although, unlike her father, she cally she has been following the FN line Jean-Marie Le Pen has been an MEP, refrains from crude racist and anti-Se- since the mid-1990s. She complains of In 2005, the University banned him apart from for a short period, since mitic statements in order to be electable the danger of uncontrolled immigration, from university activities for five years. 1984. He has several criminal convic- by a more middle-class group of voters, advocates the abolition of the euro and In 2007, he received a prison sentence tions, has called the holocaust “a detail she also makes no secret of her racist the suspension of the Schengen Agree- and was ordered to pay a fine. In 2009, of history”, believes in the “inequality of ideology. She has compared Muslim ment, and rants against globalisation the sentence was lifted by the Court of races” and was castigated for his state- street prayers with the occupation of and American multinationals. Appeal. The aim of making such state- ment that “once 25 million Muslims France during the Second World War. ments bordering on the criminal is to at- (lived) in the country, they would issue Bruno Gollnisch, who has been in the tract attention in order to ensure that he the orders and “thrash” the French”.84 “There may not be any tanks or sol- European Parliament since 1989, rep- is constantly in the media. This is also He has also been found guilty several diers, but occupation there is”.87 resents the openly right-wing extremist shown by his statements on the out- times of assault, incitement to racial ha- wing of the party. He entered the FN in bursts of Jean-Marie Le Pen on the “in- tred, slander and other offences. This Her subsequent charge of incitement to the 1980s, and as a Professor of Japa- equality of the races” and the massive former member of the Foreign Legion racial hatred is the price she paid for the nese language and culture he is one media response to them: and combatant in the war in Indochina, support of those in the party who feel of the few outstanding “intellectuals” in the Suez Crisis and the Algerian war that the modernisation and swing to- the party. He was one of the key fig- “Anybody who forces his words on is suspected of having tortured mem- wards being a right-wing populist party ures in and also chairman of the short- another also forces his values on bers of the Algerian National Liberation are going too far. The shift from an open- lived “Identity, Tradition, ” him”.91 Front. He himself does not dispute the ly far-right party to a right-wing populist (ITS) parliamentary group. Gollnisch charge: “I have nothing to hide. I tor- party is also apparent as regards its has described anti-racism as “intellec- When Pope Benedict XVI indirectly tured because we had to”.85 Jean-Marie anti-Semitism. Although unthinkable tual AIDS” and fought a legal battle ex- criticised Sarkozy’s expulsion of Roma, Le Pen has repeatedly attracted atten- to her father, in 2006 Marine wanted tending over years for denial of crimes Gollnisch adopted typical far-right argu- tion in the past for his racist and anti- to visit Israel with a delegation of the against humanity. In 2004, at a press ments and publicly attacked the Vatican: Semitic statements. He maintains close European Party, but she was declared conference concerning the so-called international contact with like-minded undesirable before the trip took place. Rousso Report, which investigated the “If the Roma were to settle on Saint people. Under his leadership, and at A Jewish radio station in Paris invited political views of academics at the Uni- Peter’s Square [...], then we could the invitation of the extreme right-wing her to an interview in March 2011, but versity of Lyons, he declared that: continue the discussion.”92 and nationalist Issuikai movement, rep- it was eventually called off after violent resentatives of the Hungarian Jobbik protests. In reaction to the cancellation “No serious historian completely Bruno Gollnisch also took part in the trip party, the Belgian Vlaams Belang, the of the interview, Marine announced the endorses the findings of the Nurem- to the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo. British National Party and the Austrian reactivation of the “Cercle national des FPÖ visited the Yasukuni shrine in To- juifs français” [National circle of French kyo on 14.08.2010. It is there that the Jews] in order to provide an “authentic” fallen soldiers of the Japanese military voice against the protests of Jewish or- since 1868 are commemorated. The ganisations.88 Even though her father’s

COUNTRY REPORT: FRANCE 50 51 COUNTRY REPORT: FRANCE tiki Enosis (EPEN) [National Political Talking about the terrorist attacks on the Union] which, despite holding a seat in World Trade Center in September 2011, the European Parliament between 1984 the then member of the Greek Parlia- and 1999, regularly polled less than 1% ment brought out the familiar conspira- of the vote and has not been active since cy theories: 1996. The one EPEN MEP, Spyridon Zournatzis, created the first far-right po- “4,000 Jews working in the Twin litical group in the European Parliament, Towers did not go to work on the known as the “Group of the European day of the attack.”95 Right”, in 1984. The younger members of ENEK and EPEN tried to attract the For Karatzaferis, who has also pub- Elliniko Metopo [Greek Front], founded lished a Greek translation of the Proto- in 1994. With its good contacts to the cols of the Elders of Zion, the holocaust French Front National, Elliniko Metopo, is merely a collection of “fairy tales from repeatedly drew attention with its high- Auschwitz and Dachau.”96 In an article in profile campaigns against immigrants the party newspaper Alpha Ena in 2009, but was unable to translate this atten- he also commented on the Israeli-Pal- tion into concrete electoral successes. estinian conflict, claiming that the Jews A resolution by the party led to Elliniko had turned into murderers who were as Metopo being wound up in 2005 and heinous as the Nazis. On the possibility merging with the Laikós Orthódoxos of a “possible coexistence” with Jews, COUNTRY REPORT: GREECE Synagermós (LAOS) [People’s Ortho- he goes on to write that: dox Rally], which had been founded in 2000. Its founder, the journalist Geor- “With a little effort it would be pos- Proportional representation. gios Karatzaferis, who is still the party’s sible to include them [the Jews] in a 3% hurdle. leader today, founded LAOS as a reac- Society of Justice, solidarity and un- tion to his exclusion from the liberal- derstanding. It is difficult to do such conservative Nea Dimokratia (ND) [New a thing with a race that CRUCIFIED THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SITUATION IN Democracy] party. He had accused an God on the one and only time he GREECE ND party official of being homosexual came down to earth. And yet, we and of having a relationship with ex- must try. They do not know the evil After the political changes of 1974 and Prime Minister Karamanlis.93 Karatzaf- THEY DO. GOD, their GREATEST the collapse of the military dictator- eris, MEP from 2004 to 2007, had in the VICTIM is forever reminding us: ship, right-wing extremist parties again past drawn attention to himself with his “THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY emerged on the political scene. For ex- anti-Semitic and revisionist statements. DO” ” 97 (stress and insertion in the ample, the Eniaio Ethnikistiko Kinima At the time of founding the party, Karat- original) (ENEK) [United ] zaferis declared that: was founded in 1979, but failed to play Other LAOS politicians also regularly any significant role in elections up to its “We are the only true Greeks. We come out with xenophobic and anti- dissolution in 1989. Also largely politi- are not any of those Jews, homo- Semitic statements. Adonis Georgiadis, cally marginalised was the Ethniki Poli- sexuals or communists.”94 former Deputy Minister in the Ministry of

COUNTRY REPORT: GREECE 52 53 COUNTRY REPORT: GREECE Development, believes that “the Jews” []. Founded in 1985 and the first time (winning 6.9% of the vote) the CA has managed solely through its have brought the banks under their registered as a party in 1993, it follows a and was able to enter the national par- electoral successes to put the govern- control and are now trying to conquer national-socialist tradition.100 It opposes liament. It managed to repeat this result ment under pressure to step up its pol- Greece, something which must be pre- globalisation, supports a “Europe of Na- in the elections in June 2012. At local icy against immigrants. Instead of iden- vented.98 LAOS is a racist, anti-socialist tions” and dreams of a Greater Greece level, the party had been successful for tifying the social and economic reasons and homophobic party. It opposes glo- stretching to the Adriatic in the west. To some time: in local elections in Athens for conflicts and crime and condemn- balisation and Turkish accession to the achieve this, it advocates the liquidation in 2010, the CA, using the slogan “Let’s ing the verbal attacks on immigrants, EU and espouses an . of Macedonia and Albania, which would make Athens Greek again”, took 5.3% the government is shifting its position Immigrants - particularly those from Al- be shared with a Greater Serbian em- of the vote, polling as much as almost towards that of the CA in the hope of bania - are repeatedly the focus of its pire.101 The CA’s nationalism is based 20% in some areas of the city. In con- winning votes. The CA also has good agitation. Because of its Orthodox ideol- on its Catholic/Orthodox faith. For ex- trast to previous years, in its campaign international contacts with neo-Nazis, ogy, it supports a Greek rapprochement ample, the party’s manifesto states that: the party focused less on its familiar including with the German NPD. How- with Serbia and Russia and rejects Eu- xenophobic rhetoric and more on at- ever, these have recently suffered as a ropean integration.99 In 2007, LAOS en- “Only a 100% Orthodox Greece is tacking the political elite and the corrupt result of anti-Greek statements by the tered the Greek Parliament with 3.8% of worthy of the Greeks because they system of government. The fact that the NPD in light of the bail-out.106 the vote – the first far-right party to do have “Spartan” blood in their veins. CA is taken seriously by the established so since the end of the military dictator- Our forefathers died for the Ortho- parties is shown by an initiative of the In February 2012, the right-wing popu- ship. In the 2009 elections it was able dox faith”.102 [stress in the original] socialist Panellinio Sosialistiko Kinima list Anexartiti Ellines (ANEL) [Independ- to slightly improve on this result, taking (Pasok) [Pan-Hellenic Socialist Move- ent Greeks] was founded. Exploiting 5.6% of the vote, and participated in the In the past, supporters of CA regularly ment], which formed the government anti-German sentiment, it opposes the Papadimos government from 2011 as clashed with political opponents, im- up to the elections at the beginning of austerity measures resulting from the the fourth-largest political group, with migrants and ethnic minorities, using 2012. Internal Affairs Minister Chryso- financial crisis.107 In the parliamentary control of four ministries. In February violence on a massive scale as well choidis had illegal immigrants rounded elections held shortly after its forma- 2012, LAOS withdrew its support for the as armed attacks. In this respect, it up throughout the country and put into tion, the Independent Greeks obtained government because of the cuts result- was apparently able to rely on consid- newly-built detention camps. The CA 10.6% of the vote, making it the fourth- ing from the European financial crisis. In erable sympathy within the police. In commented mockingly on this new- largest party in parliament. In the June the subsequent elections, it was just un- 2008, after a policeman shot a left-wing found interest in the “problem of foreign- elections, however, ANEL had clearly able to overcome the 3% hurdle, polling youth, fierce riots broke out throughout ers”: lost support and won only 7.5% of the only 2.9% of the vote. Because of the Greece. Video footage of the clashes vote. European financial crisis and EU cuts, show large groups of hooded right-wing “If we were to get into parliament, Greece is currently facing a deep eco- extremists among the police and in at- it might happen that the established nomic and social crisis. The coalition tacks on young left-wingers.103 CA sup- parties will don hoods negotiations following the May 2012 porters were also involved in the mas- and chase illegal immigrants.”105 election failed, and in the fresh elections sive riots against immigrants that took in June 2012 LAOS polled only 1.5% of place in Athens in 2011. For several As in many other European countries, the vote, falling well below the threshold weeks, neo-Nazis chased immigrants needed to enter parliament. through the streets and looted immi- grant businesses. A 21-year-old man One of the longest standing right-wing was stabbed and died.104 In elections extremist parties in Greece is the open- to the Greek Parliament in May 2012, ly neo-Nazi and racist Chrysi Avgi (CA) the CA broke through the 3% barrier for

COUNTRY REPORT: GREECE 54 55 COUNTRY REPORT: GREECE In the elections to the European Parlia- the causes of the European financial THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ment, LAOS polled 7.1% of the vote and crisis.110 The case of Tsavela illustrates Greece was thus entitled to appoint two MEPs a creeping normalisation process con- to Parliament. Niki Tzavela and Nikola- cerning the presence of far-right parties ton (1998-2009). Honorary Member os Salavrakos are members of the Eu- and MEPs in the European Parliament. of the Arab International Women’s rope of Freedom and Democracy group She exploits the political stage which Forum (from 2004). Fellowships of (EFD). the Parliament offers her. In around two the American Field Service, Eisen- and half years, Tsavela has submitted hower Foundation, OECD and the Tzavela entered the European Parlia- more than 580 parliamentary questions Adenauer Foundation. Committees: ment for the first time in 2009 and is to the Commission or the Council. Development (substitute), Indus- Vice-Chair of the EFD. She was a rap- try, Research and Energy (mem- porteur for the report on “European Salavrakos has been an MEP since ber), Policy Challenges Committee Broadband: investing in digitally driven 2009. Also very active, Salavrakos has (member). growth”, and is involved in science and submitted more than 500 parliamentary fiscal policy.108 Tzavela is currently rap- questions. Together with MEPs from porteur for the report on “industrial, en- the Danish People’s Party, the FPÖ, ergy and other aspects of shale gas and Vlaams Belang and the Lega Nord, Sa- oil” and will shortly present her first draft lavrakos submitted a motion for a reso- Niki Tzavela to the Industry Committee. It is notable lution on strengthening the EU Border that Tzavela, as a representative of an Agency Frontex.111 This called for the Born on 30.06.1947 in Lamia. Mem- anti-Semitic and xenophobic party, has budget of Frontex to be increased so ber of the Europe of Freedom and so far worked in the European Parlia- that the Agency could efficiently carry Democracy group, Vice-Chair/ ment without any problems resulting out its urgent tasks. A comment by An- Member of the Bureau. Graduate from her political background. Although dreas Mölzer (FPÖ; see the country re- in Industrial Psychology and Labour politicians of other parties have cer- port for Austria) illustrates the priorities Economics. President and CEO of tainly been critical of her position on of the EFD members within the EU, as the Greek Manpower Employment certain issues, for example concerning exemplified by the motion concerning Organisation (OAED) (1989-1993). shale gas,109she has not yet faced any Frontex: Vice-Chair of the Foundation for the criticism based on the fact that she is Rehabilitation of Albanians of Greek a LAOS right-wing extremist. Repre- “In order to strengthen Frontex, one Origin. Vice-Chair of Intracom. Vice- Nikolaos Salavrakos sentatives of other parties attended the of the few sensible EU agencies, Chair of the Athens 2004 Olympic brunch she organised in April 2011 with the so-called Agency for Funda- Games Organising Committee. Born on 15.02.1946 in Kalamata. Phil Angelides, Chairman of the Ameri- mental Rights could, for example, Vice-Chair of the Kokkalis Founda- Graduate in Law. Lawyer and cor- can “Financial Crisis Inquiry Commis- be closed. Its only job is to conduct tion. Adviser for International Devel- porate legal adviser (1971). Legal sion” (FCIC). Its aim was to examine left-wing snooping.”112 opment of the ANTENNA TV Group. adviser for LAOS (2003) Member Member of the Greek Parliament of the EPt since 2009. European elected with New Democracy party of Freedom and Democracy group. (1994-1996). Member of the Dean´s Committees: Fisheries (substitute), Council of Kennedy School of Gov- Foreign Affairs (members), Peti- ernment, Harvard University, Bos- tions (member)

COUNTRY REPORT: GREECE 56 57 COUNTRY REPORT: GREECE COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY

Personalised proportional representation 4% hurdle.

THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SITUATION IN ITALY

The neo-fascist Movimento Sociale Italiano (MSI) [Italian Social Movement] was founded in Italy in 1946. Unlike in other European countries, this party was successful in elections and was repre- sented in the from the outset. The MSI was founded by fascists and former combatants of the Italian So- cial Republic. In 1948, the MSI obtained 2% of the vote in parliamentary elections and was subsequently able to stabilise its

COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY 58 59 COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY results up to the 1990s at around 5%, and billionaire Silvio Berlusconi, the MSI autonomy for, Northern Italy. Its ideolo- the Lega controlled a total of five min- with occasional spikes upwards. The MSI collapsed as a result of disputes about the gy is based on the conviction that north- istries, including the Ministry of Internal was represented in every parliamentary party’s direction. The Alleanza Nazionale ern Italians are of a separate ethnic origin Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Af- term up to the dissolution of the party (AN), which pursued a more moderate (Padanian nationalism) and are superior fairs. The coalition fell after only a few and the formation of the Alleanza Na- national-conservative course, and the to southern Italians. and months. After the collapse of the gov- zionale (AN) [National Alliance] and Fi- neo-fascist Fiamma Tricolore were then above all Rome are viewed as a hotbed ernment, the Lega went into opposition amma Tricolore (FT) [] in founded in 1995. In 2009, the AN and of corruption and crime that wastes the and did not serve in government again 1995.113 In southern Italy, the MSI won merged to form the Popolo money earned in the north. It opposes until Berlusconi’s second government be- up to 15% of the vote. The party also della Liberta (PdL) [People of Freedom], “the behemoth that is the Italian central tween 2001 and 2006, and then again included supporters of violent terrorist a party strongly influenced by Berlusconi. state and the lazy southern Italians” and from 2008 to 2011. In national elections, groups, such as Pino Rauti. Rauti was “throwing money down the drain”.115 it focuses above all on the fear of aliena- Chairman of the MSI from 1990-91. In Alongside criticism of the European Un- tion and immigration, exploiting xeno- 1995 he founded the FT, and in 2004 ion, the party’s populist manifesto ac- phobic feelings.116 The Lega currently the Movimento Idea Sociale [Social Ideal cordingly stresses a racist rejection of sees Italy as being involved in a “Euro- Movement] party. In 1956 he had already immigration and, in particular, northern pean economic war” and hopes for a re- founded the [New Order], Italian social protectionism. Politically, negotiation of the European treaties and which was responsible for various bomb the regionally-rooted Lega Nord advo- a geo-political restructuring as a result attacks between the 1960s and the cates the protection of the northern Ital- of the possible bankruptcy of the Italian 1980s. Giorgio Almirante – co-founder ian culture, language and economy. It es- State. and long-standing Chairman of the MSI, pouses a harsh crackdown on crime and publisher of the racist and anti-Semitic rejects immigration into Italy, especially In 2011, the party head magazine “La difesa della razza” [the from non-western countries. It pursues presented a map on which northern Italy defence of the race] and representative frequent campaigns against the build- formed an independent European mac- of the more radical wing of the party – ing of mosques in which pigs are regu- ro-region together with Bavaria and Aus- was an MEP from 1979 up to his death in larly led across potential building sites in tria. Bossi is very clear: 1988. Between 1957 and 1960, the MSI order to defile them in religious terms. supported the minority government of The Lega opposes the further transfer “At the negotiating table, we Pada- the Catholic Democrazia Cristiana (DC) of national powers to Europe and advo- nians will present ourselves as the [Christian Democracy], but was there- cates a “Europe of the Regions”. It has victors because we have predicted after always isolated in parliament until been very successful in certain regional for years that Europe, as it is cur- the 1980s. A certain change then came elections and, since the beginning of the rently constructed, would fail. How- along in the way the other parties dealt 1990s, has regularly polled around 15- ever, Italy will sit at this table as a with the MSI. Without having under- 17% of the vote in . Its best beaten nation.”117 gone any ideological transformation, the result so far was recorded in in MSI was gradually brought out of politi- The regionalist and right-wing popu- 2010, when it won 35.2% of the vote. In support, the two Lega MEPs Mara Biz- cal isolation and integrated by the other list Lega Nord per l‘indipendenza della In national elections, the Lega fluctuated zotto and spread the ru- parties, though they still maintained a Padania [Northern League for the inde- in the 1990s between 8% and 10%, and mour that Germany had already given up certain distance.114 After a brief spell in pendence of Padania) was founded back was able to repeat this result in 2010 the euro and was having deutschmarks government between 1994 and 1995 in in December 1989. The Lega North is (8.3% of the vote) after a brief drop be- printed in Switzerland. coalition with the Lega Nord and the For- mainly active in the north of Italy and tween 2001 and 2006. When serving in za Italia party founded by media tycoon advocates the break-away of, or at least the first Berlusconi government in 1995, The successes of the right-wing extrem-

COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY 60 61 COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY ist and populist parties and their nor- are not exceptional occurrences in Italy. malisation in everyday political life has Violence is particularly exercised by peo- THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT taken place against the backdrop of ple from sub-cultural circles, such as the Italy the transformation of Italy in the 1980s neo-fascist Casa Pound network. In De- from a country from which people tra- cember 2011, the right-wing extremist ditionally emigrated to being a coun- Gianluca Casseri killed two Senegalese try of immigration. At the same time, traders and seriously injured three others xenophobic, anti-Semitic and racist at- in . Casseri came from the mi- titudes are widespread in Italy.118 The lieu of Casa Pound. A Lega activist com- Berlusconi government in particular has mented on the racist murders in Florence: toughened its stance in the political de- “That’s good, we’ll have two mouths less bate against Muslims and immigrants. to feed.”119 Violence against immigrants and Roma

Mario Borghezio

Born on 03.12.1947 in Turin. Grad- Born on 09.03.1973 in . Sec- uate in Law. Lawyer (1977). Presi- ondary school-leaving certificate in dent of the ‘Government of Pada- classical subjects (1992). Journal- nia’ (1994-2004). President of the ist (since 1997). Secretary of Lega section of the Lega Nord Nord, Milan (1998). Vice-Secretary (2001). Member of the federal coun- of the (2007). Mu- cil of the Lega Nord (2001). Member nicipal councillor (since 1993). of Turin City Council (1990-2001). Member of Parliament (2008). Member of the Italian Parliament Member of the Italian Parliament (1992-2001). Under-Secretary of (2004-2006). European of Freedom State for Justice (1994). Treas- and Democracy group. Commit- urer of the Alliance of Independ- tees: International Trade (substi- ent Democrats in Europe (ADIE) tute), Internal Market and Consum- (2007-2008). Member of the EP er Protection (member). since 2001. European of Freedom and Democracy group. Commit- tees: Internal Market and Consum- er Protection (substitute), Special Committee on Organised Crime, Corruption and Money Laundering (member), Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (member).

COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY 62 63 COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY mentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (2001-2006). Founder and Chair of the COPAM voluntary or- Oreste Rossi Mara Bizzotto ganisation in the field of cooperation with developing countries. Grand Born on 24.03.1964 in Alessan- Born on 03.06.1972 in Bassano del Officer of the Order “Star ofRo- dria. Chemist at PPG Industries Grappa (VI). Secondary school- mania”. European of Freedom and (1987-1990). Journalist and pub- leaving certificate from ‘Luigi Ein- Democracy group. Committees: In- licist (since 2000). Provincial Sec- audi’ technical and commercial dustry, Research and Energy (sub- retary for of Piemonte college, Bassano del Grappa. Co- stitute), Subcommittee on Security Autonomia Regionale (1984-1987). author of two business consultancy and Defence (substitute), Commit- Member of Piemont Autonomista studies in Bassano del Grappa and tee on Foreign Affairs (vice-chair). (1987-1989) and of Lega Nord Pie- Cartigliano; currently self-employed. mont (1989-1994; 2002-2009). Na- Joined the Lega Nord in 1993. Po- Fiorello Provera tional Chair of Lega Nord Piemont litical secretary for the Bassano del (2000- 2002); Federal Councillor for Grappa constituency (since 2005). Born on 31.03.1946 in Vigevano. Lega Nord (1997-2000). Lega Nord Member of the Lega Nord provin- Doctor of medicine and surgery, representative for Italy (1993-2001). cial executive for Vicenza (2005). specialising in paediatrics and child Member of Alessandria City Council Member of the national executive of care, Pavia University. Honorary (since 1990). Member of the Ales- the section of the Lega degree in political science from the Born on 10.04.1980 in Verona. De- sandria Provincial Council (1999- Nord (2008); member of Rosà (Vi- University of Oradea. President gree in political science from the 2004). Member of the Piedmont Re- cenza) Municipal Council. Member of the Sondrio Provincial Council University of Padua (2011). Worked gional Council (2000-2009). Group of the first Lega Nord-run municipal (2004-2009). Member of Parliament at the Verona exhibition centre, pro- leader (since 2005); President of the council in the province of Vicenza. (1992-1996), special envoy of the viding agriculture, trade, exhibition Piedmont Regional Council (2005). The youngest municipal councillor President of the Chamber of Depu- management and public relations Member of the Italian Parliament in the Veneto Region at the age of ties to Rwanda (1995). Member of services (from 2000). Freelance (1992-2000). Chair or vice-chair of 21 (1993). Leader of the Lega Nord the Senate (1996-2006). Rappor- journalist contributing to La Padania parliamentary friendship commit- in the municipality of Rosà (1997- teur for the Italian Senate of the (from 2006). Federal vice-coordina- tees between Italian MPs and those 2004) and in the municipality of law ratifying the treaty adopting a tor of the movement Giovani Padani from other countries. Member of the Tezze sul Brenta (Vicenza) (2004- constitution for Europe. Member of [Padania Youth] (from 2002). Pro- European Parliament since 2009. 2009). Elected regional council- the Parliamentary Assembly of the vincial vice-secretary of the Verona European of Freedom and Democ- lor for the Veneto Region (2000). OSCE (1992-1994). Member of section of Lega Nord (since 2007). racy group. Committees: Internal Re-elected to the Veneto Regional the Parliamentary Assembly of the District councillor in Verona (2002- Market and Consumer Protection Council (2005). Member of the Eu- Council of Europe and of the West- 2007). Member of Verona municipal (substitute), Environment, Public ropean Parliament since 2009. Eu- ern European Union (WEU) (2000- council European of Freedom and Health and Food Safety (member). ropean of Freedom and Democracy 2006). Chair of the Committee on Democracy group. Committees: group. Committees: Transport and Foreign Affairs of the Italian Sen- Foreign Affairs (substitute), Civil Tourism (substitute), Petitions (sub- ate (2001-2006). Rapporteur of the Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs stitute), Employment and Social Af- committee of inquiry into paedophil- (substitute), Culture and Education fairs (member). ia and child trafficking at the Parlia- (vice-chair).

COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY 64 65 COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY The Lega Nord obtained 10.2% of the among all other MEPs.122 In this way, vote in the elections to the European the Lega seeks to present itself to its Parliament and thus won 9 seats. This electorate as the monitors of European Francesco Enrico Speroni Claudio Morganti result was much better than in 2004 policy. (5.0%). The European election cam- Born on 04.10.1946 in Busto Ar- Born on 14.04.1973 in Prato. Eu- paign was tailored to the person of Um- We will now take a more detailed look sizio. Master’s in political science rope of Freedom and Democracy berto Bossi, the best-known face in the at the MEPs Borghezio, Provera and and in law. Flight engineer (1970- group. Committees: Economic and Lega and the Minister for Institutional Salvini: 1997). Chairman of the Association Monetary Affairs (substitute), Budg- Reform in the Berlusconi Cabinet in of Flight Engineers (1980-1981). ets (member). 2009. Bossi was placed at the top of the Mario Borghezio has been an MEP Chairman of the Lega Lombarda lists in all constituencies. It was clear since 2001. A former member of the Ital- (1991-1994). Member of the mu- before the elections that Bossi would ian Parliament and former Under-Sec- nicipal councils of Albizzate (1987), not accept his mandate. But it enabled retary of State for Justice, he has been Samarate (1988) and Busto Arsizio the Lega to save on fighting expensive convicted several times of racially-mo- (since 1990). Chairman of the Bus- Giancarlo Scottà campaigns to get their top European tivated offences, including aiding and to Arsizio municipal council (1993- candidates known.120 The party pur- abetting arson. The Italian Supreme 2011). Chairman of the Committee Born on 11.04.1953 in Vittorio Vene- sued a clearly euro-sceptic campaign Court was satisfied with the evidence on Institutional Affairs (1990-1991). to. Europe of Freedom and Democ- and described the EU as a “creature” that in 2000 Borghezio, together with Member of Varese provincial coun- racy group. Committees: Develop- that would constantly usurp ever more six other Lega Nord members, had set cil (1997-1999). Member of the Ital- ment (substitute), Environment, power. It stressed the differences in fire to the tents of some immigrants who ian Senate (1992-1999). Minister for Public Health and Food Safety Europe and rejected the idea of a com- were sleeping under a bridge in Turin.123 Institutional Reform (1994-1995). (substitute) Regional Development mon European identity. One of the cen- In a plenary debate in April 2011 on mi- Member of the European Parlia- (substitute), Agriculture and Rural tral issues of its election campaign was gration flows from North Africa to Eu- ment (1989-1994 and since 1999). Development (member). the fight against immigration. Posters rope, and in particular to Italy, Borghezio Italian Government representative showing an American Indian with the spoke of an invasion taking place. The to the European Convention (2002- slogan “They experienced immigration, Italian people were entitled, he stated, 2003). Member of the Parliamentary and now they live in reservations”, or a “to maintain their identity” and “not to Assembly of the Council of Europe crowded refugee boat with the words be invaded”.124 He made it clear a few and of the WEU (1994-1995 and “We have stopped the invasion”121 months later what he meant by these 1996-2000). European of Freedom shaped the public image of the party. rights in his comments on the Oslo at- and Democracy group (vice-chair). The Lega is now represented in the tacks of July 2011. Borghezio attracted Committees: Employment and So- European Parliament by Mara Bizzot- considerable media attention when he cial Affairs (substitute); Legal Affairs to, Mario Borghezio, Lorenzo Fontana, announced: (member) Claudio Morganti, Fiorello Provera, Or- este Rossi, Mateo Salvini, Giancarlo “Many of ’s Scotta and Francesco Enrico Speroni, ideas are good, some very good who all sit in the Europe of Freedom even. He has been instrumental- and Democracy group. In terms of the ised. The fact that his ideas have number of parliamentary questions to led to violence is due to the immi- the EU Commission of the Council, Biz- grant invasion. [...] saying no to a zotto, Rossi and Provera take top spot multi-racial society, heavily criticis-

COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY 66 67 COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY ing the cowardice of a Europe that protection of religious minorities (out- tion with his racist and populist state- the rudeness of many foreigners. If seems to have capitulated before side the EU), the rights of children and ments. In 2004, for example, he stated it continues like this, we will have an Islamic invasion, the need for an young people, protection against human that parts of Milan looked like Kabul with to demand seats solely for local identity-based and Christian answer rights viloations and democratisation. all the burkas and veils and that it was citizens, who are in a minority and in the style of the Knights Templar Ideologically, he sees himself as being foolhardy in the face of possible terrorist must accordingly be protected.”130 to the flood of globalist ideas are al- in a struggle against the power of the attacks to allow people to move around ready a common legacy of the Eu- leftist parties that oppose religion, the in public in disguise.129 In 2009, as head After serious riots between Egyptians ropeans”.125 family, tradition and the fatherland. “The of the Lega group in Milan City Council, and South Americans in Milan follow- people” has, in his view, been relegated he demanded that the Milan transport ing the death of an Egyptian youth in Although some of his fellow party to a mass of consumers whose purpose companies introduce metro trains solely 2010, Salvini demanded an “iron-fist” members distanced themselves from is to advance the destructive capitalist for citizens of Milan and for women: approach. Borghezio, others rallied around him. process stemming from the EU.128 Lega , for example, sees initiatives are also regularly supported “I have written to the local transport “Now we need controls and depor- Breivik as being “in the service of the by MEPs of other parties. For example, company asking it to reserve the tations - house by house, storey by defence of western civilisation”.126 at the end of 2009 Provera applied to first two carriages on the metro for storey.”131 put up a poster to commemorate Neda women, who do not feel safe given Fiorello Provera, a holder of two doc- Agha-Soltan, who had been killed in torates, has been a Member of Parlia- protests in Iran, outside the Parliament ment since 2009 and is Vice-Chair of building. The poster bore her photo and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. He measured several metres. This initia- supports the introduction of a Europe- tive, which was ultimately unsuccessful, an policy on regulating migration that was supported by Hans-Gert Pöttering would “combine development coop- (CDU, former President of Parliament eration measures with a more compre- and Head of the Konrad-Adenauer hensive political vision encompassing Foundation), Guy Verhofstadt (Flemish security, regional cooperation, bilateral liberal and democrat, former Prime Min- agreements with countries of origin and ister of Belgium), Adrian Severin (social transit countries, the safeguarding of democrat and former Foreign Minister human rights and democratisation”.127 of Romania), Alexander Alvaro (FDP) These aims formulated and approved and Morten Messerschmidt (Danish by the European Parliament in the “Re- People’s Party). It seems there was no port on migration flows arising from in- criticism of the applicant and his mem- stability” were significantly shaped by bership of a party that repeatedly comes Provera’s role as rapporteur. Provera’s out with racist statements and agitates role is an example of how representa- against immigrants and Islam. tives of right-wing extremist parties seek to influence the policy of the European Matteo Salvini was a non-attached MEP Parliament and in so doing present from 2004 to 2006 and returned to the themselves as serious and established European Parliament in 2009 as part of politicians. Provera submits numerous the Europe of Freedom and Democracy motions and questions concerning the group. Salvini is always attracting atten-

COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY 68 69 COUNTRY REPORT: ITALY tion successes of far-right parties were of the vote and thus recorded a gain of recorded from the 1970s onwards. This over 9% compared to the 2006 election. trend of increasing election successes The right-wing liberal Peoples Party for and the strengthening of sub-cultural Freedom and Democracy (VDD) and right-wing extremist milieux continued the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) through the 1980s, and by the end of agreed on a coalition that was tolerated the 1990s, right-wing populists were by the PVV. Its leader, Geert Wilders, able to celebrate their first successes. managed to obtain a number of conces- Dutch politics countered this increased sions in return for the party’s tolerance. strength with repressive measures and a For example, drastic measures to reduce containment policy vis-à-vis right-wing immigration from non-western countries extremists. This “banishment” by the were planned. The political situation was democratic parties of right-wing extrem- ideal for Wilders: depending on the is- ist politicians at national and local level sue and public perception, Wilders was lasted for a long time, but despite this, in in a position to either criticise the gov- ideological terms they were rapidly mov- ernment or portray himself as part of the ing closer to the demands of the right.132 government and therefore an “enabler”. Already in the 1990s, the liberal right- The coalition fell apart in early 2012 and wing People’s and De- fresh elections were scheduled for Sep- mocracy launched a hard-fought debate tember. COUNTRY REPORT: on immigration and asylum policy. The NETHERLANDS right-wing extremist parties got into a Geert Wilders owes his formidable quandary over this: on the one hand, the political rise to the right-wing popu- Outright proportional representa- repressive policy against them demanded list “spadework” of Pim Fortuyn, who tion. No constituencies. The num- that they moderate their position and placed the issues of anti-immigration and ber of votes per party determines activities, while on the other hand the anti-Islam at the centre of his political the allocation of seats in parliament. political players of other parties were try- agenda. As a result, right-wing extrem- 0.67 % hurdle. ing to keep or win back votes by aligning ist and populist ideas have permeated themselves with or even outdoing them more deeply into the social mainstream on certain issues. It now seems that the and today barely provoke opposition – in THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SITUATION IN containment policy against the popu- stark contrast to the anti-racist norm of THE NETHERLANDS list right-wing parties has been entirely the post-war years in the Netherlands.133 eroded as a result of the strengthening Fortuyn’s death prompted the rapid col- The Dutch have long been seen as toler- of right-wing populist parties from 2001, lapse of his party and, like virtually no ant and open to the world, and after the the murder of Theo van Gogh in 2004 other, Wilders understood how to fill the Second World War right-wing extremist and the subsequent social conflicts. right-wing populist gap that ensued by parties focused on defending collabora- being an undisputed leadership figure. tors and glorifying the Third Reich. They One of the biggest electoral successes He also represents an extremely anti- were socially isolated and had no appre- was achieved by Wilders in the elections Islamist world view and has described ciable influence on political opinion. As in to the Second Chamber of the Dutch Par- the Koran as a fascist book. With his film other European countries, the first elec- liament in 2010. The PVV polled 15.5% “Fitna” (2008), Wilders provoked waves

COUNTRY REPORT: NETHERLANDS 70 71 COUNTRY REPORT: NETHERLANDS of protests in Islamic countries, and re- successful German right-wing populist racist “Nederlandse Volksunie”, com- ised, for example, in the “Aktiefront Na- cently during a visit to Berlin he accused medium and self-proclaimed critic of Is- parable to the German NPD, has no in- tionale Socialisten” (ANS) [Action Front German Chancellor Angela Merkel of lam “Politically Incorrect” (PI), Wilders fluence on political opinion within the of National Socialists] or the interna- inaction with regard to the increasing can always count on the support of his national parliament. It is nevertheless a tionally active “Blood and Honour” or- Islamisation of Germany. He opposes im- German friends. The aim is to develop melting pot for neo-Nazis of all colours ganisation, which is banned in Germany. migration, especially from non-western the “International Freedom Alliance” and provides them with an infrastructure Alongside the many smaller groups and countries, has demanded an ethnic reg- network of right-wing populists, which for their movements and communica- active right-wing extremists, the “Blood istration of the population and positions is currently mainly organised online, into tion, while also maintaining close con- and Honour” network is one of the larg- himself as a law-and-order politician who an international association.134 The fact tacts with various right-wing extremists est and most active in the Netherlands, would take a hard line against crime. He that this international network has long in other countries, including Germany. with good contacts abroad. The so-called views the Netherlands and all of Europe been a reality is also apparent from a visit “Lonsdale Youth” has also played a role as being under threat from a political made by Wilders to the commemoration At sub-cultural level, far-right and rac- in inter-ethnic conflicts in recent years. Islam that is seeking to subjugate Euro- ceremony for the victims of 11 Septem- ist attitudes and ideologies in the Neth- Many members of this sub-cultural scene pean society and introduce Islamic tra- ber in New York at the invitation of the erlands tended to be only a marginal are xenophobic, racist and of a right- ditions and laws. Established politicians American internet blog “Stop Islamiza- problem up until the 1980s, involving a wing extremist persuasion. Many of and media are, according to Wilders, ig- tion of America (SIOA). SIOA later com- few, albeit violent, right-wing extremists. them therefore end up after a few years noring these problems or even encourag- mented on Wilders’s appearance: Today, right-wing extremists are organ- in the “Blood and Honour” group.136 ing them. Wilders’ ideas are shaped by authoritarian and anti-pluralist beliefs, “But the highlights included Geert racist stereotypes and bogeymen. He is Wilders, who was greeted as the constructing the character of a Dutch great hero that he is, and spoke nation, while at the same time denying about how a sharia mosque at parts of the population membership of it. Ground Zero would be the death of Wilders is the only party member to con- New York’s proud tradition of Dutch trol the PVV and he personally chooses tolerance.“135 his party’s elected representatives. The advantage for Wilders and the PVV is ob- In addition to the American blog, off- vious: Wilders does not have to fear that shoots of SIOA exist in the UK, Den- people who are prepared to use violence mark, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, will join the PVV, and he is therefore able Romania, Russia and Sweden. They are to maintain a clean image. He also does familiar with and appreciate each other’s not risk large numbers of right-wing ex- work. Wilders also owes his rise to the tremists joining his party, something that media. He is in the powerful position of would put off society’s middle ground. being able to stage-manage his media He also maintains good contacts with presence through his actions and state- German right-wing populists. Whether ments and can rely on his angst-fuelled it comes from the right-wing newspaper discussions of crime and security being “Junge Freiheit” of the “Die Freiheit” gratefully seized upon by the media and party founded by former Berlin CDU exploited in the quest for ratings. politician René Stadtkewitz, the citizens’ movement “pax europa” or the most The openly nationalist, anti-Semitic and

COUNTRY REPORT: NETHERLANDS 72 73 COUNTRY REPORT: NETHERLANDS THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Netherlands

Lucas Hartong Laurence J.A.J. Stassen

Born on 24.05.1963 in . Born on 06.01.1969 in Leiden. Born on 08.02.1971 in Sittard. Born on 01.11.1964 in Joure. High- Bachelor of Public Relations (1992). Broker and assessor (1990-2005). European University (Antwerp) er degree in economics, University Bachelor of Theology (2006). Inde- Member of the Second Chamber of (1988-1991). Steinfabrik Nuth B.V., of Groningen, Doctor of Economics. pendent columnist/publicist for vari- the Dutch Parliament (2006-2009). (1991-1995). Freelance presenter ICT project leader, British Ameri- ous magazines and newspapers. Member of the European Parlia- TV-Limburg (1999-2008). Member can Tobacco (1991). Policy worker, PVV candidate for the Second ment since 2009. Non-attached. of the European Parliament since Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Chamber (2006). Member of the Since the 2012 elections to the 2009. Non-attached. Committees: Relations (2003). Member of the board, ANWB (Dutch automobile Dutch Parliament, Madlener has Industry, Research and Energy European Parliament since 2011. association) (since 2010). Accred- returned to serve as a national MP. (substitute), Foreign Affairs (mem- Non-attached. Committees: Eco- ited parliamentary assistant, PVV ber). nomic and Monetary Affairs (sub- delegation in the European Parlia- stitute), Civil Liberties, Justice and ment (since 2009). Member of the Home Affairs (member). European Parliament for the PVV since 2010. Non-attached. Com- mittees: Budgetary Control (substi- tute), Budgets (member).

COUNTRY REPORT: NETHERLANDS 74 75 COUNTRY REPORT: NETHERLANDS One of the largest right-wing populist National and the Romanian Tudor Party, mission, Van der Stoep and Madlener of EU laws, which of course are winners in the 2009 European elec- which he claimed were right-wing ex- asked: applicable to the Netherlands. It is tions was the “” of Geert tremists.137 As already generally stated, high time that we close this puppet Wilders, which took 17% of the vote in such verbal distancing should not mis- “Does the Commission agree that theatre down once and for all and the Netherlands. As a result, it was able lead us into thinking there are no per- the Turkish Mavi Marmara del- say to the Turks that they are not to send four MEPs to Brussels. Lucas sonal, ideological and structural links. It egation and Iranian President Ah- welcome in the European Union. Hartong, Barry Madlener, Laurence should be seen merely as an attempt on madinejad are perverse warmon- Not today, not tomorrow. Not ever!” Stassen and Daniël van der Stoep have Wilders’s part to distance himself pub- gers? If not, why not?140 (Geert Wilders) been representing the PVV since the licly for the purposes of de-stigmatising last elections as non-attached members the PVV as an electoral alternative. After the Commission announced its In fact, there are in total 63 national ex- of the European Parliament. Van der The PVV MEPs in the European Parlia- decision to increase the number of dele- perts from non-EU countries working Stoep resigned from Parliament with ef- ment nominated Geert Wilders for the gated national experts from Turkey from in the Commission. National experts fect from 1 September 2011 after being Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought two to eight on 29 September 2011, this are allowed to remain at the Commis- convicted of drink-driving. He had pre- (also known as the EU Human Rights was a welcome opportunity for the PVV sion for a maximum of four years, and viously attracted attention by firing his Prize), unsuccessfully canvassing the to rail against the possibility of Turkish their salaries are paid for by the state parliamentary assistant via Twitter. He support of MEPs of other parties. accession to the EU:141 that sends them. According to the Com- was succeeded in Parliament by Auke mission Decision of December 2008, Zijlstra, who had previously worked in In the course of parliamentary business, “[...] The decision to allow wolves in “seconded national experts should en- the Dutch Ministry of the Interior. In the the PVV members repeatedly draw at- sheep’s’ clothing to come amongst able the Commission to benefit from the meantime, van der Stoep has returned tention to themselves with their inappro- us is a sad low point in the nego- high level of their professional knowl- to Parliament because the Netherlands priate and racist questions to the Presi- tiations, which currently have no edge and experience, in particular in ar- was granted an additional seat after the dent of the Parliament, the European chance of success in any case. The eas where such expertise is not readily Treaty of Lisbon was ratified. Commission and the Council. In April negotiations should finally be bro- available.”142 2011, van der Stoep indirectly stated ken off, and this inane plan of the However, he did not join the PVV del- in plenary that it was appropriate not Commission should be withdrawn”. They are not allowed to perform mid- egation but instead sits as an independ- to hand out water to refugees in recep- (Barry Madlener) dle or senior management duties, even ent and currently non-attached MEP. tion camps.138 Concerning Serbia, and when deputising. So on closer inspec- with reference to the Member States of “Erdogan has removed his mask tion, it cannot be said that “the Turks” The PVV fought the election campaign Romania and Bulgaria, Barry Madlener and shown himself in the past few have now been given the right to take under the slogan “For the Netherlands”, said in a question to the Commission: months to be a quite ordinary war- part in the development of EU laws. On stressing a supposedly impending Is- monger. From the reaction of the the contrary, Turkey has been subject lamisation of Europe. Shortly after the “When will the Commission be will- European Union, one has the im- to European economic law since 1996 election, Wilders announced that the ing to state that the EU has accept- pression that the European Com- and has thus surrendered part of its na- focus of the work of the PVV’s MEPs ed into its ranks too many poor, cor- mission has lost its mind and has tional sovereignty without at the same would be on opposing further European rupt countries which have a crime allowed this Trojan horse of Islam time being involved in the European integration and promoting a return to a problem? When will the Commis- into its castle by granting Turkey the decision-making process (“two-speed simple economic and currency union. sion decide that enough is enough right to take part in the development Europe”). He also spoke out in favour of terminat- and put its passion for enlargement ing the membership of Romania and behind it?”139 Bulgaria and, at the same time, dis- tanced himself from the French Front In another written question to the Com-

COUNTRY REPORT: NETHERLANDS 76 77 COUNTRY REPORT: NETHERLANDS COUNTRY REPORT: AUSTRIA

Proportional representation with combined federal, provincial and regional lists. No constituencies. The number of votes per party de- termines the allocation of seats in parliament. 4 % hurdle.

THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SITUATION IN AUSTRIA

After 1945, no debate was conducted within Austrian society concerning the country’s role in National Socialism and its involvement in the holocaust, despite an official policy on the part of the Allies. About a third of Austrians were actively associated with

COUNTRY REPORT: AUSTRIA 78 79 COUNTRY REPORT: AUSTRIA the Nazi regime.143 Even though it was (chairman) Anton Reinthaller, a former til 1999, when it polled 27% of the vote ment). However, this was still enough to banned to re-form the Nazi Party and SS brigade leader and member of the (winning 52 seats in the national parlia- form a new coalition with the ÖVP. Af- similar organisations, the denazifica- Reichstag up to 1945, represented the ment). From 1999 to 2002, it was the ter internal disputes resulting from the tion process adopted by the Allies was party’s decidedly German-nationalist second-largest party in parliament and lack of successes in regional elections largely superficial and symbolic. The tendency. He was succeeded as party entered into a government coalition in March 2005, a new party was formed, “Verband der Unabhängigen” (VdU) leader by Friedrich Peter, a member of with the ÖVP, taking the post of Vice largely at the instigation of Haider. This [Association of the Independent] was the First SS Infantry Brigade. He made Chancellor. The election successes can was the Bündnis Zukunft Österreich created as early as in 1948, serving as no secret of his ideology: largely be attributed to the person of (BZÖ) [Alliance for the future of Aus- a repository for former members of the Jörg Haider. With his election to party tria] party, of which Haider took over the Nazi Party and displaced people. In the “I cannot be counted as one of leader, the FPÖ moved away from its leadership in 2006 (and again in 2008 first post-war elections to the Austrian those who was allegedly forced to liberal programme and again repre- for a month before his death). In the parliament in 1949, the majority of votes collaborate, but still acknowledge sented a decidedly German-nationalist most recent national elections in 2008, went to the Österreichische Volkspartei today that I joined the SS voluntar- tendency, integrating the right-wing the SPÖ won 29.3%, the ÖVP 26%, the (ÖVP) [Austrian People’s Party] (44%), ily because, for us youngsters from extremist wing. As a result, many NDP FPÖ 17.5% and the BZÖ 10.7% of the followed by the Sozialistischen Partei the Danube region, the Fatherland members returned to the FPÖ. These vote. The SPÖ agreed with the ÖVP on Österreichs (SPÖ) [Socialist Party of could only be Germany.”145 returns and the successes in gener- the formation of a Grand Coalition. Austria], which later became the Sozial- al also impacted on the membership demokratische Partei [Social-Democrat- Under Peter, the FPÖ had tried from statistics: while in 1986 the party had Austrian nationalism focuses on Ger- ic Party] (38.7%), with the VdU in third 1960 onwards to portray a liberal image around 37,000 members, by the year many and a German national identity.147 place (11.7%). Since a broad majority in order to be attractive to a broader 2000 this figure had risen to 53,000.146 Unlike the situation in the post-war pe- of the population had supported or at section of the electorate. This liberalisa- In his election campaigns, Haider railed riod, the annexation of Austria to Ger- least sympathised with the annexation tion ultimately led to a number of resig- against “foreigners”, praised the “decent many is no longer demanded and Jews of Austria to the Nazi regime in 1938, nations from the FPÖ and the founding employment policy” of the Third Reich are no longer openly harassed. Instead, the ÖVP and SPÖ played down the of the Nationaldemokratischen Partei and openly sympathised with criminal they have been replaced by the bogey- country’s role as perpetrator in election (NDP) [National Democratic Party], organisations of the Nazi Party. For ex- man of “foreigners” (primarily Muslims). campaigns after the Second World War which was banned in 1988. At the be- ample, in 1995 he told former members With their racist election campaigns and in order not to scare off potential vot- ginning of the 1960s, the FPÖ polled of the Waffen-SS in Krumpendorf that: verbal lapses, the FPÖ and the BZÖ ers.144 Publicly, Austria was perceived between 7% and 8% in elections, but as right-wing populists move in a “grey at home and internationally as the first between 1966 and 1983 it was general- “It is good that there are still decent area” of right-wing extremism. Above victim of the National Socialists (the so- ly stuck at a level of between 5.5% and people in the world, people with all, their relatively frequent involvement called victim myth). In 1954, the Fourth 6%. Despite its poor performance in the character, who stick to their convic- in government has left its traces on eve- Fraternity of the Waffen-SS (K IV) was 1983 election (5.0%), the FPÖ for the tions however strong the opposing ryday political life, as the political scien- founded consisting of former members first time entered into a coalition govern- wind and who have remained true tist Pelinka stresses: of the Waffen-SS and their close al- ment with the ÖVP. The turning point did to their convictions to this day.” lies, and this organisation continues to not come until Jörg Haider took over the “But the government institutions are represent a clear right-wing extremist party leadership, an appointment that In 2000, Haider resigned as party not really able to take care of the position today. Following internal quar- was primarily forced through by frater- leader. Internal strife within the FPÖ grey zone – because certain ele- rels and disputes about direction, the nity members. Thereafter the FPÖ was (the Knittelfelder Putsch) caused the ments of the grey zone have be- Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs (FPÖ) able to continuously improve its ratings government coalition to collapse. In come intermingled with the govern- [Freedom Party of Austria] emerged in elections: in 1986 it achieved 9.7%, the following elections, the FPÖ polled ment. This is a result of alliances, from the VdU. The first party leader and then improved on its successes un- only 10% of the vote (18 seats in parlia- but also the consequence of elec-

COUNTRY REPORT: AUSTRIA 80 81 COUNTRY REPORT: AUSTRIA toral strategies which – in doubt – organisation “Ring Freiheitlicher Stu- publisher and author of several books, do not hesitate to pander to specific denten” [Free Student Ring], which is Chairman, Freedom Academy regularly writes newspaper columns (e.g., anti-immigrant) prejudices.”148 close to the FPÖ, also regularly attracts (1991-1994). Member of the Aus- and has been involved in various film media attention with its right-wing ex- trian Parliament (1991-1994). Ed- productions. In 1987 he was fined fol- The FPÖ repeatedly finds itself the fo- tremist activities. Many FPÖ functionar- itor-in-chief and co-publisher of lowing administrative proceedings for cus of attention because of its MPs’ ies are members of right-wing extremist the weekly “Zur Zeit” (since 1997). distributing Nazi ideology in his capacity links to the far-right scene. The student fraternities.149 Columnist on “Die Presse” and the as editor-in-chief of the “Kärnter Nach- “Neue Kronenzeitung”. Regional richten”. Mölzer, known as the “motor cultural officer, Carinthia (1999- of euro-rightist ideology”,151 maintains 2002). Author. Member of the Eu- close contacts with other right-wing pop- ropean Parliament since 2004. ulist and extremist parties in Europe. He Non-attached. Committees: Consti- has organised international congresses tutional Affairs (substitute), Foreign with representatives of right-wing ex- THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Affairs (member). tremist and populist parties, played a Austria significant role in setting up the “Iden- tity, Tradition and Sovereignty” (ITS) parliamentary group in 2007, and was The FPÖ obtained 13.1 % of the Aus- a member of the bureau of the right- trian vote in the 2009 European Par- wing populist European Alliance for liament elections. Since then, Andreas Freedom (EAF) party.152 In 2005, on the Mölzer and Franz Obermayr have been occasion of the 60th anniversary of the sitting as non-attached MEPs. The elec- liberation of Auschwitz, Mölzer refused tion campaign was fought with slogans to vote in favour of a European Parlia- such as “Genuine representatives of ment Resolution against anti-Semitism the people instead of EU traitors”, “Our and xenophobia. He justified his refusal course is clear: the western world is a by stating that present-day Austria was Christian world”, or “There for Austria, not responsible for these crimes.153 In and not for the EU and the financial the European Parliament, the FPÖ has mafia”.150 Even though its own expecta- signed joint statements and questions tions were not met, the FPÖ was nev- to the Presidency with MEPs from the Franz Obermayer Andreas Mölzer ertheless able to double its vote com- French Front National, the British Na- pared to 2004. tional Party and the Greater Romania Born on 25.05.1952 in Linz. Mem- Born on 02.12.1952 in Leoben. Party. It is not afraid of working together ber of the European Parliament Studied law, history and sociology. Mölzer is on the German-national- with representatives of the hard core of since 2009. Non-attached. Com- Assistant at law institutes (1979- ist wing of the FPÖ and has been an the right-wing extremist spectrum such mittees: Employment and Social 81). Editor-in-chief, Kärntner Nach- MEP since 2004. He is editor-in-chief as the BNP. Mölzer also maintains close Affairs (substitute), Internal Market richten newspaper (1982-1990). and co-publisher of the weekly “Zur links to the German right-wing extremist and Consumer Protection. Managing partner at the Institute Zeit”. This right-wing conservative and and populist scene. for Socio-political Studies/Edition German-nationalist newspaper is close K3, Verlags- und Beratungs-GmbH. to the FPÖ despite voicing occasional A self-confessed fraternity member, FPÖ policy officer (1991-1994). clear criticism of it. Mölzer is also the Mölzer believes the western world is

COUNTRY REPORT: AUSTRIA 82 83 COUNTRY REPORT: AUSTRIA caught in the throes of a defensive bat- extremist and revisionist Olympia Fra- ing H. C. Strache and Jörg Haider. In The day-to-day reality for illegal resi- tle against Islamism. He believes the ternity. In its commemorative publica- the European Parliament, Obermayr dents (no legal rights, no health or so- political and social fabric of the west- tion for 8 May, Olympia described the particularly rails against refugees and cial security insurance, etc.) is hushed ern countries needs to be defended. It ban on as a “return to asylum seekers and against the Euro- up by the FPÖ in its campaign for votes therefore also makes sense when he a time when intellectual freedom was pean Union in its entirety. In comment- in favour of right-wing populist agita- interprets the flow of refugees across lacking, regarded as long-since over- ing on a ruling of the European Court of tion. The Court’s decision to maintain the Mediterranean towards Europe as a come”. It goes on: Human Rights that reversed an Italian the possibility of voluntary departure planned process: in his view, the refu- law making it a criminal offence to re- for people without official papers within gees will wage a holy war for Islam that “If a German is able to speak and main in Italy illegally, he stated that: a certain period and without being im- will be strategically planned, supported think about individual “sensitive” prisoned or fined was misinterpreted for and armed by the highest religious and questions of history only along the “In this decision, the true face of populist purposes by the FPÖ. ideological bodies and national rulers.154 lines dictated by the re-educators those old 68ers who pass judge- The aim was, according to Mölzer, and their German helpers, this ment in Strasbourg and Luxem- Following the ratification of the Lisbon to change the nature of the people, a clearly constitutes a lack of freedom bourg was shown. Apparently the Treaty, an MEP from the BZÖ, Ewald process which was already well under of opinion and speech and thus an EU is to be gradually transformed Stadler, has been sitting in the Euro- way, and thereby create a Muslim ma- absence of freedom for science and into an immigrants’ paradise.”158 pean Parliament since December 2011. jority among the population of Europe. its teaching.”156 Mölzer works actively on spreading his world view in the European Parliament: The 8th of May is also marked in Ger- in terms of the sheer number of ques- many by the mobilisation of the German tions, motions and speeches in plenary, right-wing extremist scene: he is one of the most active MEPs. In contrast to his Dutch colleagues in the “The great battle for the freedom of PVV, he comes across as matter-of- our people ended with the capitula- fact and presents his ideology in a calm tion of the German Wehrmacht. [...] fashion. Mölzer took part in the visit to The traitors of their own people de- the Yasukuni shrine (see the country re- ployed by the occupiers are mock- port for France). ing the victims of our people, are tainting the honour of our brave sol- Franz Obermayr has been an MEP diers and ultimately destroying the since 2009. Obermayr, then Deputy soul of our people. This date of 8 Mayor of Linz, spoke on the occasion May has now become the “Tag der of the “remembrance of the dead” of 8 Ehre” [Day of Honour]. If the traitors May 2002 in Vienna, at which numerous celebrate the defeat of the German right-wing extremists and right-wing ex- people on 8 May, we will, with our tremist fraternity members remembered service of honour, also inspire na- the fallen soldiers of the Second World tional resistance in our people on War.155 The “total defeat” in the Second this same day!”157 World War is commemorated each year by the fraternities within the Viennese Apart from Obermayr, several other Fraternities Ring, led by the right-wing FPÖ MPs took part in the event, includ-

COUNTRY REPORT: AUSTRIA 84 85 COUNTRY REPORT: AUSTRIA of the vote for the Chamber of Deputies, failing however to win the necessary winning 30 seats, and 8.1% of the vote majority against the social-democrat for the Senate, in which it won 14 seats. candidate. In its election campaign, the Between 1992 and 1996, the PUNR was party declared that Hungarians were no a junior partner in government. During longer the main danger to Romania but its service in government, many attacks placed the Roma at the centre of their on Roma took place. The police were xenophobic agitation. In the previous in some cases directly involved, and in year, the PRM played a significant role others they did not do enough to stop in an attempted coup involving 12,000 the attacks. The PUNR’s popularity fell miners and violent clashes with the po- steadily from 1997. Since the elections lice.160 in 2000, the party has no longer been represented in parliament and was ulti- Since this high point of electoral ap- mately taken over by the Conservative proval, the party’s success has clearly Party (PC) at the beginning of 2006. waned in subsequent years. The PRM is not currently represented in the na- The most successful right-wing extrem- tional parliament. Notable are its con- ist party to date is the Partidul România tacts with right-wing organisations such Mare (PRM) [Greater Romania Party], as the Liga Marshall Antonescu (LMA) founded in 1991. The PRM, which arose [Marshall Antonescu League], which from the magazine of the same name, was founded in 1990 with the aim of re- COUNTRY REPORT: ROMANIA is closely associated with its Chairman habilitating . Under Anto- and founder Corneliu Vadim Tudor. Tu- nescu’s rule (1940-44), at least 150,000 dor, a pro-regime journalist and poet Jews and tens of thousands of Roma Proportional representation. in the Ceauşescu era, was a member died. Other ultra-nationalist parties, 5 % hurdle. of the Romanian Senate from 1992 to such as the Partidul Noua Generație 2008 and stood several times for elec- (PNG) [Party of the New Generation], tion as President. The main goal of the founded in 2000, have no appreciable THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SITUATION IN PRM is to restore Greater Romania. Its parliamentary influence in Romania. ROMANIA bogeymen include Hungarians, Jews, Nevertheless, the PNG leader, George homosexuals and Roma. In the 1990s, Becali, was elected to the European After the end of the Ceauşescu era the party won between 4% and 4.5% of Parliament in 2009 (see below). In the and the political and social upheavals the vote in elections. Its breakthrough 2004 election campaign, the PNG took in 1989, right-wing extremist and ultra- did not come until the parliamentary and over a slogan from the fascist and anti- nationalist groups also re-emerged in presidential elections of 2000. With 21% Semitic “” of the 1930 and Romania. The ultra-nationalist and anti- (Senate) and 19.5% (Chamber of Depu- 1940s.161 Hungarian Party of Romanian National ties) of the vote, it became the second Unity (PUNR) was founded in May 1990 largest force in parliament. In the first There are also a number of organi- and in the years that followed was the round of the presidential election, Tudor sations that do not take the form of main right-wing extremist party in Ro- gained 28.3% of the vote, followed by a a party, such as the ultra-nationalist mania.159 In 1992, PUNR gained 7.9% spectacular 33.2% in the second round, Noua Dreaptă (ND) [New Right], which

COUNTRY REPORT: ROMANIA 86 87 COUNTRY REPORT: ROMANIA speaks positively of the Iron Guard and by the state. Revisionist statements and maintains close contacts with the Ger- attitudes are still widespread: in June THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT man NPD. The ND advocates the res- 2006, Romanian President Basescu Romania toration of Greater Romania and fulmi- praised Romania’s participation in the nates against homosexuals, Roma and German offensive against Russia in Jews. In one of its programmes, the ND 1941;163 and in March 2012, Dana Sova, states: Senator and spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party (PSD) claimed that no “We are witness to a national awak- Jew had suffered on Romanian territory ening. We no longer wish to hear of and denied Romania’s involvement in a Roma language, or see hooked the holocaust.164 A striking aspect is the noses or bluish lips.”162 close entanglement of Romanian right- wing extremists with business: Violent attacks perpetrated by this mi- lieu are commonplace, such as on the “The most important sources of ul- Gay Pride parade in Bucharest. tra-nationalist funding are the busi- nesses of nationalists, who control After 1989, there was hardly any reap- financial, economic, and commer- George Becali Corneliu Vadim Tudor praisal of Romania’s role in the holo- cial activities directly benefiting from caust in politics or among the public. A the high level of corruption.”165 Born on 25.06.1958 in Braila. Born on 28.11.1949 in Bucharest. minute’s silence in honour of Antonescu Manager of Steaua Bucharest FC Degree in Sociology from the Uni- was still practised in parliament up to Right-wing extremists in Romania par- (2000-2003). Owner of Steaua Bu- versity of Bucharest. Doctorate 1991. It was only following the work of ticularly focus on stirring up anti-Hun- charest FC (since 2003) Majority in History, University of Craiova, the International Commission on the garian and anti-Roma feeling, revision- shareholder in various companies Romania (2003). President of the Holocaust in Romania (also known as ist nationalist nostalgia and the revival and property investor. President, Greater Romania Party (from 1991). the Wiesel Commission), which, in its of right-wing extremist political traditions New Generation - Christian Demo- Senator, Romanian Parliament final report, found Romania guilty of in- of the inter-war years, such as that of cratic Party (Since 2004). Candi- (1992-2008); Secretary of the Sen- volvement in the holocaust, that Roma- the Iron Guard.166 date in Romanian presidential elec- ate (1992-1996); Vice-President of nia’s guilt was officially acknowledged tions (2004). Candidate for New the Senate (2004-2008). Author and Generation - Christian Democratic Journalist. Member of the Europe- Party in local elections (2007). an Parliament since 2009. Non-at- Founder member and President of tached. Committees: Foreign Affairs the Governing Board, Foundation (substitute), Culture and Education ‘Pentru Dumneavoastră Doamnă’ (member). and the George Becali Christian Foundation. UN Commissioner for Romania (2008). Member of the European Parliament since 2009. Non-attached. Committees: Legal Affairs (substitute) International Trade (member)

COUNTRY REPORT: ROMANIA 88 89 COUNTRY REPORT: ROMANIA In the elections to the European Par- In 2002, Tudor, together with the social- a football club and the “most bizarre Becali repeatedly manufactures ideo- liament, the PRM obtained 8.7% of democratic senator Adrian Paunescu politician that Romania has produced logical links to the fascist and anti-Se- the vote and was thus able to appoint and the former Minister of Justice and since Ceauşescu” (Deutschlandradio) mitic Iron Guard. For example, during two MEPs, Corneliu Vadim Tudor and Liberal, Quintus, stated that Romania became rich through his property deal- his first election campaign for the PNG, George Becali, both non-attached. Tu- had no guilt with regard to the holocaust ings in the 1990s, though the public he used the slogan “Everything for the dor – a Knight of the “Star of Romania”, and that somebody had an interest in prosecutor later investigated him for Fatherland”. This was the name of the the highest accolade in Romania – was the Romanian people being portrayed some of these dealings.174 In 2009 he Iron Guard during its fight for power be- a senator in the Romanian parliament as criminals.171 In the same year, the was charged with aiding and abetting a tween 1935 and 1940. He also prom- from 1992-2008 and from 2004-2008 licence of the TV channel OTV was kidnapping. After his car was stolen, his ised a “Romania like the sun in the sky”, he was also Vice-President of the Sen- withdrawn over an interview with Tudor bodyguards mistreated the presumed and wanted to work “in the service of ate. Tudor repeatedly makes remarks that incited hate against Jews, Roma perpetrators for hours in order to force the cross and Romanian identity”.178 against Jews, Roma, Hungarians and and sexual minorities. His anti-Semitic a confession. During the two weeks he Both slogans were taken almost verba- journalists. In the past he even de- and anti-gypsy statements, which to spent in custody awaiting trial, Becali tim from the Iron Guard. On Romanian manded the “liquidation of gypsies”, the greater or lesser extents always contain was placed on the PRM candidates list television, he has called for the canoni- setting up of camps for the Hungarian an open or coded message concern- but was not initially allowed to leave Ro- sation of , the minority and the reintroduction of the ing an alleged Jewish conspiracy or the mania after his election on the orders leader of the anti-Semitic Archangel Mi- death penalty.167 In 1998, he proposed criminal character of the Roma, were of a criminal court. After several failed chael Legion, founded in 1927 and from that: followed in 2004 by a remarkable pub- appeals, he was again granted the free- which the Iron Guard later emerged. His lic distancing: Tudor had changed from dom to travel, and shortly afterwards the ideology is pervaded by Christian ideas “Gypsies who will not go to work being an anti-Semite to a Judeophile. charges against him were dropped.175 In of redemption, and he see himself as (…) will be sent to work camps.”168 Moreover, he hired an Israeli PR firm 2010 he was ordered to pay a punitive being on a mission to bring faith in God to organise his election campaign. Arad fine of €3.3 million for property trans- back into politics. Asked in 2008 by the After protests from Roma groups and Communications, which also worked actions carried out between 2004 and German newspaper Tagespiegel why NGOs, he added: for the Yad Vashem Memorial in Jeru- 2008.176 When asked in 2007 about his he believed in his political success, Be- salem, later withdrew from the contract first candidacy to the European Parlia- cali replied: “We are not interested in the Gyp- stating that the party was indeed anti- ment and his position on Europe, Becali sies. All [of them] should be sent to Semitic.172 The fact that this high-profile replied: “Because I am the strongest and most jail. There is no other solution.”169 change from anti-Semite to Judeophile powerful man in Romania. In everything. was simply a transparent ploy in the “God made peoples, not a single peo- Economically, politically, intellectually. As stated, the 2000 elections gave election campaign has been further ple. We are Europeans, but one should My age and even my appearance, be- Tudor and his party a political break- proven by Tudor’s anti-Semitic writings say “Romanian citizen”, not “European cause I do after all look stronger than through. During the election campaign, in the newspaper România Mare. These citizen”. That is something holy that we any other politician – taken together, he spoke on television about the “typol- appeared after his apparent reforma- cannot change, or else God will destroy these are the virtues that God has given ogy of the Roma mafia” tion.173 us. I want to spread this message in Eu- me. I am in a position to sacrifice my- rope. And in the European Parliament in self.”179 “They attack as a group, control the George Becali is a member of the ultra- Brussels, I will ask the question: “Who markets, and the only reason why conservative and nationalist PNG party created us?!”177 they do not rape their children and and was elected to Parliament via the parents is that they are too busy PRM list. In the presidential elections raping ours.”170 in the same year, Becali took 1.9% of the vote. This businessman, owner of

COUNTRY REPORT: ROMANIA 90 91 COUNTRY REPORT: ROMANIA ,founded in 1991, also largely went without electoral success, though it at- tracted support from skinheads. How- ever, the ultra-nationalist Slovenska narodná strana (SNS) [Slovak National Party), founded in 1989, was able to at- tract votes over a long period and de- velop its parliamentary influence. In the 1990 parliamentary elections, the SNS was able to win 13.9% of the vote and thus take 22 seats in parliament. Even though the SNS thereafter achieved only single-figure election results, with one exception in 2006 (11.7%), and failed in 2002 (3.3%) and 2012 (4.6%) to overcome the 5% hurdle, it did form part of a government coalition three times. From 1992 to 1998, it was a jun- ior partner in two governments with the nationalist-conservative Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS). Be- COUNTRY REPORT: SLOVAKIA tween 2006 and 2010, the SNS was in government with the social-democratic SMER party, as a result of which SMER Proportional representation. was excluded from the pan-European 5% hurdle. Party of European Socialists (PES) for two years. The co-founder and current party chairman, Ján Slota, repeatedly THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SITUATION IN falls back on fascist solutions and con- SLOVAKIA cepts and focuses his attacks on the Roma and Hungarian minorities. In the After the political changes of 1989/90, past he has called homosexuals “filth”. right-wing extremist parties, such as He also believes that “a small yard and the “Slovenska L´udová Strana” (SL´S) a long whip” is needed to “deal with” [Slovak People’s Party] again came Roma, and has threatened to “flatten into being. The traditionalist (in terms Budapest with tanks”.180 To Slota, the of its activities) SL´S has remained Hungarians in Slovakia are descendent without any notable election successes of “ugly, bow-legged, mongoloid types and was insignificant in parliamentary on loathsome horses”181 and are a “can- terms. The Slovenska Národná Jed- cer in the body of the Slovak nation”.182 nota (SNJ) [Slovak ] Slota, who was Mayor of the north-west

COUNTRY REPORT: ROMANIA 92 93 COUNTRY REPORT: SLOVAKIA Slovak town of Zilina from 1990 to 2006, ered embarrassing by large sections attracted considerable public attention of the public. In its election campaign, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT when he had a plaque dedicated to the the party advertised itself using a large Slovakia priest and politician Josef Tiso in Zilina. poster showing a tattooed, obese and Between 1939 and 1945, Tiso was the half-naked Roma. Below was the slo- President of the First Slovak Republic, gan: “So that we don’t carry on feeding allied with the German Reich, and was those who do not wish to work.”186 hanged in 1947 because of his involve- ment in Nazi crimes.183 Ideologically, Other right-wing extremist and popu- the SNS mixes elements of populism, list parties are the populist Hnutie za and xenophobic nation- demokraciu (HZD) [Movement for De- alism.184 Through its participation in mocracy], which split away from the government in the 1990s it prevented HZDS in 2002, and the national-socialist an extension of the rights of the Hun- Slovenská pospolitost - národná strana garian minority in Slovakia and tried to [Slovak Community - National Party], restrict the official use of the Hungarian which was founded in 1995 but was language by means of language laws. banned by the Supreme Court of Slo- In addition, the Parliament acting on an vakia in 2006. The ban was preceded SNS motion declared the inviolability of by brutal attacks on presumed political the Bene Decree, which, amongst other opponents. One victim who died was Jaroslav Paska things, provided for the confiscation of a 21-year-old philosophy student who Hungarian property without compensa- was regarded by the perpetrators as Born on 20.06.1954 in 2009). Member of the Permanent tion.185 Although the party was in oppo- “alternative” because of his long hair. In BanskáŠtiavnica. Studied architec- Delegation of the National Council sition in parliament between 2006 and 2010, the party was reformed under the ture. Architect, designer, planner of the Slovak Republic to the Inter- 2010 with 9 seats, in the 2010 elections name of Ľudová strana Naše Slovensko (1978-1985). Also university teach- Parliamentary Union (1998-2002). it was unable to overcome the 5% hur- (ĽSNS) [People’s Party of our Slovakia]. er (since 1985). Vice-Chair of the Member of the European Parlia- dle, polling only 4.6%. One reason for Neither the HZD nor the ĽSNS have en- Slovak National Party (since 1999). ment since 2009. European of this was Slota’s repeated drunken ap- joyed any parliamentary success worth Member of Bratislava - Petržalka Freedom and Democracy group. pearances in public, which are consid- mentioning. municipal council (1998-2002). Committees: Budgets (substitute), Member of Bratislava - Nové Mes- Regional Development (substitute), to municipal council (since 2006). Petitions (substitute). Industry, Re- Member of the National Council of search and Energy (member). the Slovak Republic (1994-2002 and 2006-2009). Slovak Minister for Education and Science (1993- 1994). Member of the EU-Slovak Republic Joint Parliamentary Com- mittee (1998-2002). Vice-Chair of the European Democratic Union Group at the Parliamentary Assem- bly of the Council of Europe (2007-

COUNTRY REPORT: SLOVAKIA 94 95 COUNTRY REPORT: SLOVAKIA The SNS polled 5.5% of the vote in the resentation of all political parties teach Roma children a civilised, cul- tion of a government coalition between elections to the European Parliament of Slovakia in the European Par- tured and decent way of life.192 SMER, SNS und ZRS, leave little scope and was therefore able to nominate one liament and that is MEP Jaroslav for conjecture: he calls for “gypsies” to MEP. Jaroslav Paška is a member and Paška. We are very proud of it. After It remains unsaid how, in Paka’s rac- be beaten “with a rubber truncheon”, for Deputy Chair of the Europe of Freedom his second year in the EP Jaroslav ist view of the world, the Roma should Roma to be bundled off to “separate vil- and Democracy group. In the election Paška with his activities is at the be given a “civilised” and “decent way lages” and for their children to be taken campaign, the SNS particularly tried to top of Slovak representatives in the of life”. Slota’s statements, coming one away in order to be housed in boarding attract support by tapping into the anti- EP.”188 month after the Slovak elections in schools.193 Hungarian sentiment of voters. Given 2006, and thus shortly after the forma- the low turnout (16.9%), however, the There then follows a description of election results are not representative of meetings with ministers and high-rank- the actual levels of support. In terms of ing officials of the Hungarian and Pol- European policy, the SNS works closely ish States that makes clear what the with the FPÖ. SNS party head Slota tactics behind this are: Paka works for thus declared after a meeting with FPÖ the Slovaks and is a player to be taken Chairman Strache in March 2011 that: seriously in European politics. In so do- ing, he is fulfilling the promise made by “We have agreed future coopera- SNS Chairman Slota before the elec- tion, not just at party level but also tion: “If I were to be elected by chance, in the European Parliament.”187 you would see how lively it would be there.”189 In the European Parliament Policy overlaps exist on the need to the party wanted to: “to oxidise the mud- combat uncontrolled immigration and dy, rotten, milky waters [of the EP] by on criticism of aid for Greece and Ire- truth, and not by hypocrisy and lies.”190 land in the context of the EU financial Paka’s hostility to the amendment of the crisis. Hungarian Constitution under govern- ment head Orban is obvious. For exam- Jaroslav Paka, former Slovak Minister ple, he used the Hungarian Presidency for Education and Science, is one of of the Council to repeatedly criticise the the busiest speakers in the Parliament. policy of Slovakia’s neighbour.191 Paka He is currently in 30th position in the supports the death penalty and, in the ranking posted on Votewatch.de (May plenary debate on the Second Euro- 2012), having made 330 speeches in pean Roma Summit, made his views plenary. Even though purely quantita- known about the problems of Roma tive statistics say nothing about the ac- families: tual qualitative content and impact of such activities, the SNS was neverthe- “Children are neglected, hungry less already celebrating Paka’s activi- and often even do not go to school. ties in July 2011: Therefore, I am convinced that if we want to really help the Roma, we “SNS has the most efficient rep- will have to endeavour first of all to

COUNTRY REPORT: SLOVAKIA 96 97 COUNTRY REPORT: SLOVAKIA terests” pursued by the “effete Hungari- 5.5% of the vote. Nevertheless, Csurka an Government”.195 The members of the played a major role in radicalising the MNA demand “decisive action against political debate in terms of a Hungarian gypsies and the Jewish way of life”.196 cultural struggle between “good” Hun- The NMA trains its members in the use garian people and “bad” foreign inter- of grenades and firearms and in close ests.198 Csurka again became publicly combat and regularly appears at violent active when he was appointed director riots involving the police. In 1993, the of the “New Theatre” in Budapest in Oc- ultra-nationalist, anti-western and anti- tober 2011. He announced that no more Semitic Magyar Igazság és Élet Pártja “foreign rubbish” would be performed (MIEP) [Hungarian Truth and Life Party] but only “national Hungarian drama”. was founded with writer Istvan Csurka, Following national and international a former member of the conservative protests, however, his appointment was Magyar Demokrata Fórum (MDF) [Hun- withdrawn at the beginning of 2012, garian Democratic Forum], at the helm. and Csurka died shortly afterwards. Csurka has repeatedly drawn attention The new director was György Dörner, a to himself with anti-Semitic statements member of the MIEP, who declared in and insults against his critics. For exam- his application for the post that he want- ple, he called the Frankfurt Book Far the ed to take up the “struggle against the COUNTRY REPORT: HUNGARY “holocaust of Hungarian literature” and degenerate liberal hegemony” in Hun- made the following comment concern- garian cultural life.199 Mixed electoral system compris- ing bankers: ing majority voting and proportional In 2003, the racist and ultra-nationalist representation. “[They are a] bunch of Jews who party Jobbik Magyarországért Mozga- 5 % hurdle. suck away little people‘s money lom (Jobbik) [Movement for a better to distribute it among themselves, Hungary] was founded by an anti-com- and help the communists remain in munist university community. Jobbik is THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SITUATION IN power“197 directly and openly inspired by the fas- HUNGARY cist Hungarian of the The party agitates against Roma and 1940s, which from 1944 to 1945 formed After the Republic of Hungary was homosexuals and demands a revision a national socialist government in the proclaimed and the Hungarian State of the Peace Treaty of Trianon (1920), territory of Hungary which was not yet restored in October 1989, right-wing as a result of which the Kingdom of occupied by the Red Army. The party extremist and nationalist groups also Hungary had to relinquish around two- demanded the revision of the Treaty of emerged and once again quickly formed thirds of its territory to its neighbours Trianon and the restoration of “Greater part of the political landscape. 1989 im- after the First World War. Even though Hungary”. Jobbik sees itself as the de- mediately saw the formation of the para- the MIEP was able to mobilise up to fender of Hungarian identity, which it military and neo-fascist Magyar Nemzeti 200,000 people at demonstrations, it claims is under threat from the “foreign- Arcvonal (MNA) [Hungarian National remained marginalised in parliamentary hearted” (Roma, Jews, communists, Front], which still actively194 fights terms and was only represented in par- homosexuals). The party is openly against the “politics of Jewish vested in- liament from 1998 to 2001, having won anti-Semitic and anti-gypsy and rejects

COUNTRY REPORT: HUNGARY 98 99 COUNTRY REPORT: HUNGARY the current Hungarian constitution as August 2009.203 Vona makes no secret After Hungary entered the European criminality”. According to a study by the illegal. It advocates the withdrawal of of his dislike of Jews. For example, he Union with the broad backing of the Central European University in Buda- Hungary from the EU and NATO, and in stated at the beginning of 2010 in an population in 2004, the country’s eco- pest, half of the Hungarian population 2007 created the Magyar Gárda [Hun- interview with a major Hungarian web nomic position worsened, and nation- now believes that the Roma are geneti- garian Guard] to protect its events and portal that: alist positions once again gained con- cally inclined towards crime.209 In the to serve as a rural force of order.200 This siderable influence.206 Although openly 2010 elections, Fidesz won 52.7% of paramilitary group is led by the party “Perhaps it is a conspiracy theory neo-fascist parties have little chance of the vote and has since been governing chairman Gabor Vona, and its black that Israel’s situation is becoming attracting broader support, ultra-nation- with a two-thirds majority. The govern- uniforms carry the arrow-cross emblem. more unstable [...] and I can imagine alist positions are, on the other hand, ment of Prime Minister Orban is com- Its aim is to prevent the “spiritual, moral that they are now looking for ways well received. Hostility towards Roma, ing under massive criticism from the EU and physical decline of the Hungarian and means of escape. Hungary of- Jews and homosexuals is widespread for its undemocratic reforms of the state people”.201 Even though the Hungarian fers great opportunities for Israeli in Hungary and provides fertile ground apparatus. Inter alia, the independence Guard was banned by a ruling of the flight because the conditions here for Jobbik’s electoral successes and of the judiciary and media freedom has Budapest City Court in 2009, which also are good: society is receptive and for the pogrom-like sentiments against been severely restricted, and the Con- criminalised the wearing of its uniform, it hospitable and the politicians are Roma. The leading politicians of the stitutional Court has seen its powers reformed shortly after as the New Hun- corrupt. I don’t know the Hungar- governing nationalist-conservative reduced. The Fidesz government and garian Guard and still appears in the old ian Jews but they are also a group Fidesz party contribute to the extremely MPs nevertheless play down criticism uniforms. The Guard regularly organis- that remains in the twilight. This is intolerant mood of society. In its cam- that Hungarian policies encourage rac- es military-style marches, particularly in a taboo about which one should paigns, it denounces all the “foreign- ism and anti-Semitism. For example, localities inhabited by Roma and other speak: what is the viewpoint of the hearted” (Jews, Roma, homosexuals, Agnes Hankiss, Fidesz MEP, comment- minorities, and trains its members in Hungarian Jews, what is Hungary left-wingers, bankers, liberals, specula- ed in an open letter to all members of the use of weapons. In 2006, the MIEP to them? Their home or just tempo- tors, etc.).207 In February 2012, Amnesty the European Parliament that: and Jobbik formed an electoral alliance rary accommodation? [...] I can see International reported that the Hungar- to fight the elections to the Hungarian that the Hungarian Jewry is hiding. ian police are hesitant and sloppy about “It is a sad fact however that the left- parliament, but they failed to enter par- It does not adopt any position, it’s investigating anti-Roma demonstrations liberal political community has been liament. At the 2010 elections, Jobbik neither for or against. Those who or other racist crimes, and that indeed using the charge of anti-Semitism took 12.1% of the vote and has since do adopt a position such as the the Hungarian Government verbally le- as pretext in the fight against the been represented in parliament with 47 Mazsihisz [an association of Jewish gitimises the climate of hatred towards central-right and governments to seats. The chairman of the party and religious communities in Hungary] Roma.208 The appointment of Csurka regain or retain power. […] Does the parliamentary group, Gabor Vona send shivers down my spine”.204 and, after him, Därner as director of anti-Semitism exist in Hungary? remains linked to the Hungarian Guard [annotation in the original] the Budapest theatre is hardly surpris- Sporadically and on the extreme despite the ban: in 2011 he entered the ing given this backdrop. The Mayor of right naturally it does. […] Accusing assembly hall of parliament dressed in The actions of the Hungarian Guard Budapest Istvan Tarlos, who has been the Hungarian government with rac- the uniform of the Hungarian Guard in are also tainted with anti-Semitism. On in office as an independent Fidesz can- ism is a serious and unjust charge. order, as he himself claimed, to protest 18 April 2009, one day before the day didate since 2010, was responsible for Politics uses different kinds of tools. against the worsening of public securi- of remembrance for the holocaust, the this appointment. Anti-Roma sentiment However slandering with racism ty.202 The Hungarian Guard is suspected Guard marched in front of the Ger- in particular has assumed threatening should not be part of the toolkit.” by the police of having organised the man Embassy. The uniformed march- proportions in Hungary. The right-wing series of attacks with Molotov cocktails ers were carrying a banner with the parties deny the 600,000 or so Roma But there are indeed sufficient grounds and firearms against Roma in which six inscription “The truth will set you free!” in the country their civil rights and rail for concern about anti-Semitic activities people died between January 2008 and and made speeches denying the holo- against a supposedly innate “gypsy in Hungary. Polls show that, between caust.205

COUNTRY REPORT: HUNGARY 100 101 COUNTRY REPORT: HUNGARY 2009 and 2011, the proportion of those exist in Hungary, such as the Hungarian who think Jews exercise too much pow- National Front (MNF), the Party of Hun- THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT er in business life rose by around 7% to garian Interest (MEP) and the Hungar- Hungary encompass two-thirds of the population. ian Welfare Association (MNSZ; wound About 40% of those questioned also be- up in 2000). These have had partial suc- lieve that, for “the Jews”, the interests of cess in elections but have failed to exert Israel are more important than those of any significant influence in parliament. Hungary.210 Other paramilitary groups exist along- side the New Hungarian Guard. These Other right-wing extremist parties do include the Hungarian National Guard and the .

Béla Kovács Krisztina Morvai

Born on 25.02.1960 in Budapest. Born on 22.06.1963 in Budapest. Certified accountant (1978). Inter- Member of the European Parlia- national economist (1986). Special- ment since 2009. Non-attached. ist investment lawyer (2003). Inter- Committees: Civil Liberties, Jus- national trade broker (1986-1988). tice and Home Affairs (substitute), Leading functions in the financial Special Committee on Organised sector (1990-2005). Chair, Foreign Crime, Corruption and Money Laun- Affairs Committee of the Jobbik dering (substitute); Women’s Rights party (since 2005). Chair of Job- and Gender Equality (member). bik party, 13th District of Budapest (since 2006). Budapest Vice-Pres- ident of Jobbik party (since 2008). Deputy Chair and Treasurer, Alli- ance of European National Move- ments (since 2010). Member of the European Parliament since 2010. Non-attached. Committees: Budg- ets (substitute) Industry, Research and Energy (member).

COUNTRY REPORT: HUNGARY 102 103 COUNTRY REPORT: HUNGARY filiated to any party, and who has now of people are used to seeing all of which there were illegal Roma settle- become one the best-known and most our kind of people stand to attention ments, and said their inhabitants could popular politicians in Hungary, worked and adjust to you every time you be the first to be moved to the “special between 2003 and 2006 as a respected fart. Would you kindly acknowledge areas” after forcible eviction by the lo- expert in the UN Commission on the this is now OVER. We have raised cal authorities. At the same press con- Status of Women, and also advised our head up high and we shall no ference, Jobbik Party Chairman Vona the Hungarian Government, made up longer tolerate your kind of terror. stressed that further steps were neces- of socialists and liberals, as an expert We shall take back our country.”214 sary to solve the “problem” of the coex- on international law.211 In the 1990s, istence of Hungarians and Roma in the she worked for the European Com- In an open letter to the Israeli Ambassa- country. Since, in his opinion, the inte- mission on Human Rights. She above dor in Hungary, she wrote the following gration of the Roma had failed, it would all promoted the rights of homosexuals on the Middle East conflict: be necessary to educate Roma children and women. The change came with her separately from their families in board- Csanád Szegedi candidacy for Jobbik: her election cam- “The only way to talk to people like ing schools.217 In the press conference, paign opened with a motorbike convoy you is by assuming the style of Ha- Szegedi indirectly but bluntly demanded Born on 22.09.1982 in Miskolc. under the name of Goj (Hebrew for non- mas. I wish all of you lice-infested, the setting-up of Roma ghettoes and Committees: Internal Market and Jew), and T-shirts were sold carrying a dirty murderers will receive Hamas‘ the compulsory withdrawal of their cus- Consumer Protection (substitute), picture of the Hitler ally Míklós Horthy. kisses.”215 tody of Roma children. These “new so- Regional Development (member), During Horthy’s rule, 400,000 Hungar- lutions” were needed in order to prevent non-attached. ian Jews were deported to Auschwitz. In Csanád Szegedi has been an MEP a civil war in Hungary.218 In a speech he her speeches she consistently stressed since 2009 and was one of the co- gave in 2012, Szegedi claimed that this that she wanted to put Hungary back in founders of Jobbik and the Hungarian was becoming ever more likely and ad- Jobbik was one of the big winners in the the hands of the Hungarians and to end Guard. He remained attached to the vised Hungarians to stockpile food. He European Parliament elections of 2009. the politics of foreign (in other words, Guard after it was banned. He attended said the EU was consciously trying to It won 14.8% of the Hungarian vote and Jewish) interests. The government, she the very first Parliament plenary ses- colonise Hungary as a result of the fact so, as the third-largest Hungarian party, stressed, was there to serve the needs sion after the election dressed in the that people were being forced by the it was able to send Krisztina Morvai, of ordinary people. She also voiced Guard’s uniform. Szegedi is vehemently current financial crisis to sell their prop- Csanád Szegedi and Zoltan Balczo to fears that Hungarians might become in favour of Hungary’s withdrawal from erty. The same had also happened as a Brussels as non-attached MEPs. After Palestinians in their own country.212 In the EU and burned the European flag result of the allegedly planned removal Balczo was elected to the Hungarian 2008, she recommended in a speech in front of Jobbik supporters during an of Roma to residential areas in order Parliament at the beginning of 2010, that “liberal-Bolshevik Zionists” should anti-EU demonstration in 2012.216 At a to lower land prices there.219 In June he was replaced by Béla Kovács. In its already think about where they would press conference in 2010, he demanded 2012, it was revealed that Szegedi him- electoral campaign, Jobbik promoted flee to and where they would hide.”213 In the setting up of “special areas” for peo- self had Jewish ancestors and that his the idea of a “Europe of Fatherlands” in 2009 she wrote the following to Jewish ple who put public order at risk (mean- grandmother is a holocaust survivor.220 which “cultural individualities” would be critics in a forum: ing above all the Roma). The people preserved. It argues that the EU, with who lived in those areas would, he an- Béla Kovács has been an MEP since its centralised and bureaucratic institu- “I would be greatly pleased if those nounced, be under police supervision 2010 and has since made a name for tions, must be replaced by a new form who call themselves proud Hun- and would be able to leave the area af- himself within his party as an expert on of cooperation. garian Jews played in their leisure ter registration, except during night-time foreign relations. He worked on creat- with their tiny circumcised dicks, in- curfews. Szegedi referred in particular ing an international network of links with Morvai, who was previously not af- stead of besmirching me. Your kind to the city of Miskolc, in the outskirts of other parties. During an interview, Ko-

COUNTRY REPORT: HUNGARY 104 105 COUNTRY REPORT: HUNGARY vács summed up the significance that tacked, robbed and sometimes killed by an election victory in the EP elections Roma. Entire fields of crops and agricul- could have for right-wing extremist par- tural equipment were, he claimed, be- ties: ing stolen from farmers.222 Asked about his aims in the European Parliament, “Jobbik’s EP election breakthrough Kovács declared that half of his time unleashed sizeable dynamics in was taken up with setting-up an office terms of foreign relations. In addi- in Ukraine. There he would take care of tion, it is important to take note of the interests of the Hungarian minorities the significance and weight of our outside Hungary. He commented that newly attained parliamentary legiti- his second aim had already progressed macy. As a result, new opportuni- well with the recognition of the Europe- ties present themselves that will an Alliance of National Movements as advance future international expo- a European party, since it was only by sure.”221 working together in a close network that the work of the European Parliament In a joint interview with Nick Griffin of could be influenced. His personal po- the BNP, Kovács justified the forma- litical aim was also to be appointed rap- tion of the Hungarian Guard. For him porteur for the Parliament or a compe- the Guard was a self-defence unit in- tent committee. In the same interview, tended to provide protection not against Kovács and Griffin confirmed their close the Roma per se but against “Roma political affinity. crime”. He said that in rural areas in particular, elderly people were being at-

COUNTRY REPORT: HUNGARY 106 107 COUNTRY REPORT: HUNGARY 15 Cf. Schellenberg, 2009, p. 538

16 Cf. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/pdf/grants/grant_amounts_parties.pdf

17 Unlike with the other European parties, EAF members are classified as individual persons.

18 Cf. Swyngedouw, Country Report Belgium, 2009, p. 61

FOOTNOTES 19 Cf. Mudde, The ideology of the extreme right, 2000, pp. 82f.

20 Cf. Swyngedouw, Country Report Belgium, 2009, p. 59; Mudde, 2000, p. 83

21 Cf. Mudde, 2000, pp. 84f. 01 Cf. Minkenberg, Die neue radikale Rechte im Vergleich, 1998; Decker, Parteien unter Druck, 22 Cf. Mudde, 2000, p. 88 2000; Ignazi, Extreme Right Parties in Western Europe, 2003 23 Cf. Mudde, 2000, pp. 96-114 02 Cf. Minkenberg, 1998, pp. 29ff., especially pp. 33-35; Minkenberg/Perrineau, The Radical Right in the European Elections 2004, 2007, p. 30; Minkenberg, Die radikale Rechte in Europa heute, 24 Heiliger Krieg in Antwerpen, Die Zeit dated 18.11.2004, see: 2011, p. 113; Kowalsky/Schroeder, Rechtsextremismus - Begriff, Methode, Analyse, 1994, pp. 15ff.; http://www.zeit.de/2004/48/Flandern Mudde, Populist radical right parties in Europe, 2007, pp. 25f.; Heinisch, Success in Opposition – 25 Further results: Mouvement Réformateur (MR) 9.2 %, Flemish Socialists (SP-A) 9,2 %, the liberal Failure in Government, 2003, p. 95 Open VLD 8.6%, the Walloon Christian-democratic party (CDH) 5.5 %,the green Ecolo party 4.8 %, 03 Cf. Ignazi, 2003, p. 33; Betz, Radical Right-Wing Populism in Western Europe, 1994, pp. 29f; the green Groen! party 4.3 %, Lijst Dedecker (LDD) 2.3%, Parti Populaire (PP) 1.2 % Minkenberg/ Perrineau, 2007, p. 30; Heinisch, 2003, pp. 96f.; Kritisch zum Populismusbegriff 26 Gewezen VB-voorzitterVanhecke: “Stem op N-VA”, DeMorgen of 16.11.2011, see: http://www. Decker, 2000a, pp. 25-53 demorgen.be/dm/nl/989/Binnenland/article/detail/1348938/2011/11/16/Gewezen-VB-voorzitter- 04 Cf. Schellenberg, Dispersion and Differentation: The Structures and Trends of the Radical Right in Vanhecke-Stem-op-N-VA.dhtml Europe, 2009, p. 540 27 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+REPORT+A6-2008- 05 Cf. Schellenberg, 2009, pp. 532ff. 0421+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN; http://eur-law.eu/DE/Rechtssache-T-14-09-Klage-eingereicht- 16-,460811,d 06 Cf. Grumke, Die transnationale Infrastruktur der extremistischen Rechten, 2006, p. 155 28 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+CRE+20100309+ITEM- 07 Cf. Schellenberg, 2009, pp. 541f. 005+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN&query=INTERV&detail=2-072; http://www.europarl.europa. 08 Cf. Schellenberg, 2009, p. 542 eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+CRE+20100224+ITEM-013+DOC+XML+V0//EN&langua ge=EN&query=INTERV&detail=3-049; http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-// 09 Cf. Scharenberg, 2006, pp. 76f. EP//TEXT+CRE+20091008+ITEM-005+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN&query=INTERV&deta 10 Cf. Scharenberg, 2006, pp. 84ff. il=4-035

11 Cf. Camus, 2006, pp. 42f. Cf. also: Bühl, Islamophobie und Antisemitismus, 2010 29 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+CRE+20090423+ITEM- 005+DOC+XML+V0//EN&query=INTERV&detail=4-098 12 Cf. Zeisser, “Islamkritik” und rassistische Anfeindung von MuslimInnen, 2010 30 http://www.burschenschaftliche-gemeinschaft.de/aktuell.html 13 Segert, Zur Lage des rechten Extremismus in Osteuropa und den Bedingungen seines zukünfti- gen Erfolgs, 2006, p. 67 31 Cf. Widerstand gegen Rechtsextremisten in der Hofburg, Die Welt dated 28.01.2012, see: http:// www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article13838113/Widerstand-gegen-Rechtsextremisten-in-der-Hofburg. 14 Cf. Schellenberg, 2009, p. 537; on the question of influence cf. Minkenberg,The Radical Right html in Public Office, 2001; Schain, The Impact of the French National Front on the French Political System, 2002; Williams, The Impact of Radical Right-Wing Parties in West European Democracies, 32 VCf. Ivanov/ Ilieva, Bulgaria, 2005, p. 3 2006

FOOTNOTES 108 109 FOOTNOTES 33 Cf. Ivanov/ Ilieva, 2005, pp. 4f. 56 Moss, Rosbach leaves Danish People’s Party to become ECR MEP, The Parliament dated 09.03.2011, see: http://www.theparliament.com/parliament-groups/alde/alde-article/newsarticle/ 34 Cf. Grigorova, Hoffähiger Rechtsextremismus in Bulgarien, DW of 03.12.2011, see: http://www. rosbach-leaves-danish-peoples-party-to-become-ecr-mep/ dw.de/dw/article/0,,6671758,00.html 57 Messerschmidt, Europe and Turkey need each other, but not in an EU context, Hürriyet dated 35 Cf. Bauer, Rechtsextreme und rechtspopulistische Parteien in Europa, 2011, p. 39 10.02.2011, see: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=europe-and-turkey- 36 Poster in the Ataka office in Sofia on ethnic Bulgaria, cf, Bauer, Rechtsextreme und rechtspopulis- need-each-other-8211-but-not-in-an-eu-context-2011-10-02 tische Parteien in Europa, 2011, pp. 39f. 58 http://www.studjur.com/portrat/Morten%20Messerschmidt.pdf 37 Cf. Grigorova, 2011 59 Broder, Adieu Europa, Die Achse des Guten dated 15.05.2006, see: http://www.achgut.de/dadgd/ 38 McLaughlin, Bulgaria’s EU joy tainted by MP’s racist jibe, The Guardian dated 04.10.2006, see: view_article.php?aid=2424 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2006/oct/04/eu.politics 60 Broder, 2006 39 Waterfield, Right-wing activist becomes youngest MEP, The Telegraph dated11.01.2007, see: 61 Broder, 2006 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1539195/Right-wing-activist-becomes-youngest-MEP. html 62 Bittner, Das beste Land der Welt, Zeit Online dated 21.05.2011, see: http://www.zeit.de/2011/21/ Daenemark/komplettansicht 40 Waterfield, 2007 63 Bürgerbegehren gegen EU-Beitritt der Türkei, Focus dated 23.10.2010, see: http://www.focus. 41 Waterfield, 2007 de/politik/weitere-meldungen/europaeische-union-buergerbegehren-gegen-eu-beitritt-der-tuerkei_ 42 http://www.slavibinev.com aid_565068.html

43 Cf. http://www.slavibinev.com/index.php?lang=en&cont=data&page=6325 64 Emerged from the White Defence League and the National Labour Party; not to be confused with the current British National Party founded in 1982. 44 Cf. http://www.slavibinev.com/index.php?lang=en&cont=data&page=6303 65 Husbands, Country Report Great Britain, 2009, pp. 252ff. 45 Cf. Meret, Country Report Denmark, 2009, p. 81 66 Both quotations: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/programmes/2001/bnp_special/ 46 Cf. Meret, 2009, pp. 83f. roots/1984.stm 47 Cf. Jessen, Dänemark den Dänen, in: Der Rechte Rand, 135/April 2012, p. 28 67 Husbands, 2009, p. 255 48 Jessen, 2012, p. 28 68 EUMC 2004:11; quoted from Minkenberg, The Radical Right in Europe: An Overview, 2008, p. 97 49 Cf. Meret, 2009, pp. 84f. 69 König, “Bestraft die Schweine!”, Süddeutsche Zeitung dated 21.05.2009, see: http://www.sued- 50 Cf. Neuber, Utoya 2.0, heise dated 13.08.2011, see: deutsche.de/politik/grossbritannien-spesenaffaere-bestraft-die-schweine-1.467013 http://www.heise.de/tp/artikel/35/35301/1.htm 70 http://www.bnp.org.uk/policies/foreign-affairs 51 Cf. Meret, 2009, pp. 90f. 71 http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/programmes/2001/bnp_special/the_leader/beliefs. 52 Cf. Jessen, 2012, p. 28 stm

53 Rust, Licht und Dunkel. Die Islamdebatte und der Rechtspopulismus. In: iz3w, 323, March/April 72 http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/programmes/2001/bnp_special/roots/1998.stm 2011, p. 25 73 http://twitter.com/nickgriffinmep, 13.12.2011 54 http://danskfolkeparti.dk/F%E5_indvandrere_%F8del%E6gger_det_for_de_mange.asp 74 Searchlight Magazin, April 1980, see: http://www.searchlightmagazine.com/index. 55 http://www.dnsb.info/politik/ns/docs/deutsch.php php?link=template&story=301

FOOTNOTES 110 111 FOOTNOTES 75 Doward, Racist rants of elected BNP man, Andrew Brons, revealed, The Guardian dat- 96 Mionis, 2012; Maegerle, 2012 ed14.06.2009, see: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/jun/14/bnp-andrew-brons-mep-racist/ 97 Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece, Tandis dated 26.02.2009, see: http://tandis. print odihr.pl/documents/05793.pdf 76 http://www.andrewbrons.eu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=344:andrew-brons--a- 98 Cf. Maegerle, 2012 letter-to-the-president 99 Cf. Hübner, 2008, p. 77 78 Cf. Minkenberg/Schain, Der französische Front National, 2006, pp. 103f. 100 Cf. Adam, Rechtsextremismus in Europa: Heute Griechenland, 2009, Endstation Rechts dated 79 Cf. Minkenberg/Schain, 2006, p. 104f. 09.04.2009. see: http://www.endstation-rechts.de/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1425:re 80 Cf. Minkenberg/Schain, 2006, pp. 119, 120f. chtsextremismus-in-europa-heute-griechenland&Itemid=840&Itemid=761

81 Cf. Minkenberg/Schain, 2006, pp. 106f. 101 Cf. Hübner, 2008, p. 78

82 Cf. Lang, Marine Le Pen – das populäre Gesicht an der Spitze der französischen Rechtsex- 102 Cf. Hübner, 2008, p. 78 tremen, Netz gegen Nazis dated 19.01.2011, see: http://www.netz-gegen-nazis.de/artikel/marine-le- 103 Cf. Hübner, 2008, p. 78 pen-das-populaere-gesicht-6235 104 Cf. Maegerle, 2012; see www.bnr.de 83 Cf. Schmid, Der Auf- und Abstieg von Frankreichs Front National, 2009a, unpaged. 105 Zacharakis, Von der Nazi-Truppe zur Partei der Unzufriedenen, Die Zeit dated 04.05.2012; see: 84 Minkenberg/Schain, 2006, p. 108; http://www.taz.de/1/archiv/archiv/?dig=2004/04/03/a0075 http://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2012-05/griechenland-rechtsextreme 85 Bousselham, Quand la France torturait en Algerie, 2011, p. 37 106 Cf. Maegerle, 2012; see www.bnr.de 86 Cf. http://www.stopptdierechten.at/2010/08/15/japan-fpo-vertreter-obermayr-trauert-am-yasukuni- 107 Cf. Aufwind für Griechenlands Gegner der Austeritätspolitik, Neue Zürcher Zeitung dated schrein/ 16.04.2012, see: http://www.nzz.ch/aktuell/wirtschaft/uebersicht/aufwind-fuer-griechenlands-gegner- 87 Cf. Lang, 2011 der-austeritaetspolitik_1.16461009.html

88 Cf. Vogt, Schneidige Blondine, Jüdische Allgemeine dated 24.03.2011, see: http://www.juedische- 108 See http://www.efdgroup.eu/newsroom/item/strengthening-eu-russia-energy-relations.html; http:// allgemeine.de/article/view/id/9998 www.efdgroup.eu/newsroom/item/eu-us-roadmap-to-measuring-the-results-of-investments-in-sci- ence-2.html; 89 Cf. Simonis, Madame hetzt höflicher als der Papa, Der Spiegel dated 13.03.2011, see http://www. spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,750324,00.html 109 See http://reinhardbuetikofer.eu/2012/05/02/kein-spas-mit-schiefergas-viel-emotion-im-ep-indus- trieausschuss/ 90 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?objRefId=103832&language=EN 110 Cf. http://www.efdgroup.eu/newsroom/item/eu-us-relations-lunch-with-mrs-niki-tzavela-and-mr- 91 Der Spiegel, Eine Schwalbe für Le Pen, 8/1997, p. 154 phil-angelides.html?category_id=23 92 Lennert, Minderheiten zu Sündenböcken, Dom Radio dated 27.08.2010, see: http://www.domra- 111 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+MOTION+B7-2010- dio.de/aktuell/66976/wat.html 0229+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN 93 Cf. Hübner, Rechtsextreme Netzwerke und Parteien in Europa, 2008, p. 77 112 Mölzer, Initiative für EU-Grenzschutz, unzensuriert dated 09.04.2012, see: http://www.unzensuri- 94 Cf. Maegerle, Aufwind für griechische Rechtsextremisten, 2012; see www.bnr.de ert.at/content/00750-initiative-f-r-eu-grenzschutz

95 Mionis, Israel must fight to keep neo-Nazis out of Greece’s Parliament, Haaretz dated 06.03.2012; 113 Cf. Wetzel, Country Report Italy, 2009, p. 332; Grimm, Die Alleanza Nazionale, 2009, p. 18 see http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/israel-must-fight-to-keep-neo-nazis-out-of-greece-s-govern- 114 Cf. Wetzel, 2009, p. 333 ment-1.416802

FOOTNOTES 112 113 FOOTNOTES 115 Schmid, Italiens rassistische Fanatiker, bpb dated 04.06.2009b, see: http://www.bpb.de/politik/ 132 Van Donselaar/Wagenaar, Country Report: The Netherlands, 2009, pp.375ff. extremismus/rechtsextremismus/41211/lega-nord 133 Bronkhorst, Analysis by country – The Netherlands, 2009, p. 5 116 Cf. Niedringhaus, Analyse der Wahlkampfstrategien im Europawahlkampf 2009, 2009, p. 6 134 Jung, Politically Incorrect, 2010, p. 16 117 Zit. n. Dingler, Den Padaniern stinkt der Stiefel, Jungle World dated 15.12.2011, see: http://jungle- 135 see sioaonline.com world.com/artikel/2011/50/44536.html 136 Van Donselaar/Wagenaar, 2009, pp.379f. 118 Cf. Wetzel, 2009, pp. 328 & 342ff. 137 Goddard, Holland rechtsaußen, 2009 119 Fratticcioli, Op-Ed: Florence killings cast spotlight on growing racism in Italy, Digital Journal dated 21.12.2011, see: http://digitaljournal.com/article/316473 138 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getVod.do?mode=chapter&language=EN&vodDate Id=20110404-20:24:55-590 120 Cf. Niedringhaus, 2009, p. 5 139 Question for written answer E-005709/2011 to the Commission 121 Both quotations cf. Niedringhaus, 2009, p. 5 140 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+WQ+E-2011- 122 Cf. http://www.votewatch.eu/cx_meps_statistics.php?order_by=valoare_top&order=ASC&last_or- 002100+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN der_by=euro_parlamentar_nume&top_entry=1&euro_grup_id=0&euro_tara_id=0&euro_dome- niu_id=0&euro_parlamentar_id=0&top=euro_parlamentar_intrebari&segment_id=16&segment_id_ 141 http://www.pvv.nl/index.php/component/content/article/36-geert-wilders/4683-pvv-europese-com- start=0&segment_id_end=6&vers=2 missie-heeft-verstand-verloren.html [TRANSLATION SOURCE]

123 Provoco’ un incendio Condannato Borhgezio, La Stampa of 02.07.2005, see: http://archivio. 142 http://ec.europa.eu/civil_service/docs/regime_end_de.pdf lastampa.it/LaStampaArchivio/main/History/tmpl_viewObj.jsp?objid=6242885; Schmid, 2009 143 Cf. Pelinka, Country Report Austria, 2009, p. 36 124 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+CRE+20110404+ITEM- 144 Cf. Pelinka, p. 36 019+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN&query=INTERV&detail=1-177-000 145 Pflicht getan, Der Spiegel, 42/1975; Der Spiegel dated 13.10.1975, see: http://www.spiegel.de/ 125 Mellenthin, Antimuslimische Agitatoren zündeln in Europa, Neues Deutschland dated 09.08.2011, spiegel/print/d-41496271.html see: http://www.neues-deutschland.de/artikel/203952.antimuslimische-agitatoren-zuendeln-in- europa.html 146 Cf. Minkenberg, 2008, p. 33

126 Mellenthin, 2011 147 Cf. Pelinka, pp. 33ff.

127 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//NONSGML+COMPARL+PE- 148 Pelinka, 2009, p. 30 454.355+02+DOC+PDF+V0//EN&language=EN, p. 10 149 Cf. SPÖ chronicle: http://www.mauerbach.spoe.at/mediaarchiv//304/media/scan- 128 Cf. Italiens Kampf um die Sicherheit seiner Grenzen, unzensuriert dated 25.10.2010, see: http:// mx5000_20110607_155845.pdf; pp. 15ff; 20ff. www.unzensuriert.at/002432-italiens-kampf-um-die-sicherheit-seiner-grenzen 150 Cf. Maegerle, Modell Österreich, 2009b, unpaged 129 Cf. Wilkinson, Italian Mayor Sees Veiled Threat, Los Angeles Times dated22.09.2004, see: http:// 151 Maegerle, 2009b, unpaged. articles.latimes.com/2004/sep/22/world/fg-burka22 152 Cf. Maegerle, 2009b 130 Will eigene U-Bahn-Waggons für Mailänder, Der Standard dated 08.05.2009, see: http:// derstandard.at/1241622239684/Lega-Nord-sorgt-fuer-Eklat-Will-eigene-U-Bahn-Waggons-fuer- 153 Cf. FPÖ zufrieden, aber unter den Erwartungen, Wiener Zeitung dated 07.06.2009, see: http:// Mailaender www.wienerzeitung.at/dossiers/wahlen/europa/235730_FPOe-zufrieden-aber-unter-den-Erwartun- gen.html 131 Straub, Tod eines Ägypters löst schwere Krawalle aus, Der Tagesspiegel dated 15.02.2010, see: http://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/international/mailand-tod-eines-aegypters-loest-schwere-krawalle- 154 Mölzer in a speech in Cologne, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98rqnDYnPS4 aus/1682890.html

FOOTNOTES 114 115 FOOTNOTES 155 Cf. http://www.stopptdierechten.at/2010/08/15/japan-fpo-vertreter-obermayr-trauert-am-yasukuni- 174 Cf. FC Steaua owner Becali and former Romanian Defense Ministry reps, indicted in land ex- schrein/ change case, Romania Business dated 03.11.2010, see: http://www.romania-insider.com/fc-steaua- owner-becali-and-former-romanian-defense-ministry-reps-indicted-in-land-exchange-case/13720/ 156 Both quotations: Xenos, Nationales Ehrenkomitee 8. Mai, Rechtsextreme am Heldenplatz, Viennablog of 08.09.2006, see: http://ww.viennablog.at/2006/09/08/nationales-ehrenkomitee-8-mai- 175 Cf. Zona Romania dated 09.06.2009, see: http://www.zoro.ro/index.php?art=2426; Zona Roma- rechtsextreme-am-heldenplatz nia of 02.04.2009, see http://www.zoro.ro/index.php?art=2236; George Gigi Becali, Der Spiegel dated 29.06.2009, see: http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-65872432.html 157 Xenos, 2006 176 Cf. Fiscal authority says Gigi Becali has to pay EUR 3.3 mln VAT and penalties on previous 158 http://www.fpoe.at/news/detail/news/obermayr-eugh-macht-sich-zum/?cHash=1a452ae501fb2bd real estate deals, Romania Business dated 06.08.2010, see: http://www.romania-insider.com/ b8c87877e1a6835c0 fiscal-authority-says-gigi-becali-has-to-pay-eur-3-3-mln-vat-and-penalties-on-previous-real-estate- 159 Cf. Andreescu, Romania, 2005, p. 186 deals/5522/

160 Cf. Andreescu, 2005, p. 188 177 Verseck, Der selbsternannte Erlöser Rumäniens, Deutschlandfunk dated 22.11.2007, see: http:// www.dradio.de/dlf/sendungen/europaheute/699986/ 161 International Religious Freedom Report 2006, U.S. Department of State; see: http://www.state. gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2006/71402.htm 178 Verseck, „Die Schafe haben mich stark gemacht“, Tagesspiegel dated 25.05.2005, see: http:// www.tagesspiegel.de/zeitung/gigi-becali-die-schafe-haben-mich-stark-gemacht/1240420.html 162 Maegerle, Die Armee der weißen Rasse, bpb dated 07.09.2007, see: http://www.bpb.de/politik/ extremismus/rechtsextremismus/41552/die-armee-der-weissen-rasse?p=all 179 Verseck, 2005

163 Cf. Rumäniens Präsident lobt Nazi-Feldzug gegen Russland, Tagesspiegel dated 30.06.2011; 180 Cf. Slowakei: Chef der Nationalpartei beschimpft Homosexuelle als Schmutz, Die Standard dated see: http://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/operation-barbarossa-rumaeniens-praesident-lobt-nazi- 06.08.2007, see: http://diestandard.at/2920235 feldzug-gegen-russland/4344732.html 181 Mayr/Kraske/Puhl, Verlust der Mitte, Der Spiegel dated 26.05.2007, see: http://www.spiegel.de/ 164 Cf. Erstmals rumänischer Politiker verklagt, Tageblatt daated 07.03.2012; see: http://www.tageb- spiegel/print/d-51714210.html latt.lu/nachrichten/story/12258853 182 Hübner, 2008, p. 102 165 Andreescu, 2005, p. 185 183 Cf. Maegerle, Rechts am Rand in Osteuropa, 2009a; see: http://www.bpb.de/politik/extremismus/ 166 Cf. Segert, 2006, pp. 67f. rechtsextremismus/41199/rechts-am-rand-im-osteuropa

167 Cf. Bauer, 2011, p. 93 184 Cf. Bayer, Rechtspopulismus und Rechtsextremismus in Ostmitteleuropa, 2002, p. 277

168 Andreescu, 2005, p. 188 185 Cf. Hübner, 2008, p. 102

169 Andreescu, 2005, p. 188; insertion in original. 186 Cf. Strache schmiedet EU-Allianz mit slowakischen Nationalisten, Wirtschaftsblatt dated 28.03.2011, see: http://www.wirtschaftsblatt.at/home/oesterreich/wirtschaftspolitik/strache-schmie- 170 Andreescu, 2005, p. 188 det-eu-allianz-mit-slowakischen-nationalisten-465265/index.d 171 Cf. Totok, Rehabilitationskampagne wird fortgesetzt, hagalil dated 19.9.2002, see: http://www. 187 Strache schmiedet EU-Allianz mit slowakischen Nationalisten, 2011 hagalil.com/antisemitismus/europa/rumaenien.htm 188 www.sns.sk/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/prva.doc 172 Cf. Far right forms new group in European Parliament, antiracistnetwork of 01.02.2007, see: htt- ps://antiracistnetwork.wordpress.com/2007/02/01/far-right-forms-new-group-in-european-parliament/ 189 http://static.euractiv.com/de/eu-wahlen/slowakei-verspteter-start-europawahlkampf-prsi- dentschaftswahl/article-180986 173 Cf. The Romanian Jewish Community, Appeal, publication date unknown, see: http://www.roma- nianjewish.org/en/index_fcer4_06.html 190 http://static.euractiv.com/de/eu-wahlen/slowakei-verspteter-start-europawahlkampf-prsi- dentschaftswahl/article-180986

FOOTNOTES 116 117 FOOTNOTES 191 For example in a question to the Commission: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc. 210 Cf. Das falsche Selbstbild der antisemitischen Ungarn, Die Welt dated 03.03.2011, see: do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+WQ+E-2011-004903+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN http://www.welt.de/kultur/history/article12586045/Das-falsche-Selbstbild-der-antisemitischen-Un- garn.html 192 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+CRE+20100309+ITEM- 012+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN&query=INTERV&detail=2-339 211 Cf. Schmidt-Häuer, 2009; Girndt, Wandelbare Geister, Pester Lloyd dated 06.04.2010, see: http:// www.pesterlloyd.net/2010_14/14nyikos/14nyikos.html 193 Antiziganismus heute – eine unvollständige Chronik, Aktion Bleiberecht Freiburg, see: http://www. aktionbleiberecht.de/zeug/deportation/Chronologie_Antiziganismus.pdf 212 Deutsche Eiche oder Pogrom, Antiziganismus Watchblog, dated 15.11.2011, see: http://antizig. blogsport.de/2011/11/15/deutsche-eichen-oder-pogrom/ 194 A constantly updated list of activities and military-like training can be found at Athena Institute, see: http://athenainstitute.eu/en/map/olvas/20 213 Quoted from Aden, 2009

195 Grundausbildung für den Bürgerkrieg in Ungarn“, Recherche Nord dated June 2009, see: http:// 214 Outrage over obscene anti-Semitic Internet post by Morvai, Politics dated 05.06.2009, see: http:// recherche-nord.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=303&Itemid=207 www.politics.hu/20090605/outrage-over-obscene-antisemitic-internet-post-by-morvai/

196 Recherche Nord dated June 2009 215 Lahav, Hungary far-rightist, Haaretz dated 05.02.2009, see: http://www.haaretz.com/jewish- world/2.209/hungary-far-rightist-i-rejoiced-at-news-of-idf-deaths-in-gaza-1.269519 197 Bernath/Miklosi/Mudde, Hungary, 2005, p. 83 216 Cf. Oszváth, Januskopf Orbán, Das Parlament dated 04/2012, see: http://www.das-parlament. 198 Cf. Bayer, Country Report Hungary, 2009, p. 290 & 296 de/2012/04/EuropaWelt/37495671.html 199 Cf. Amnesty International Journal, 02/03 2012, p. 31 217 Cf. Jobbik proposes to set up “criminal zones” outside cities, Politics dated 02.09.2010, see: 200 Cf. Bauer, 2011, p. 70; Bayer, 2009, pp. 297ff. http://www.politics.hu/20100902/jobbik-proposes-to-set-up-criminal-zones-outside-cities/

201 Quoted from Aden, Der Marsch auf Budapest, Jungle World No. 13 dated 26.03.2009, see: 218 Cf. Jobbik proposes to set up “criminal zones” outside cities, Politics dated 02.09.2010 http://jungle-world.com/artikel/2009/13/33589.html 219 Cf. Csánad Szegedi: Hungary is under full-scale-attack by the European Union, Hungarian Ambi- 202 Cf. Jobbik-Chef provoziert Parlament, Der Standard dated 14.02.2001, see: http://derstandard. ance dated 19.03.2012, see: http://www.hungarianambiance.com/2012/03/csanad-szeged-hungary- at/1297216370779/Trug-Weste-der-verbotenen-Ungarischen-Garde-Jobbik-Chef-provoziert-Parla- is-under-full.html ment 220 Cf. ADN – Un eurodéputé d’extreme droit hongrois découvre ses origines juives, Le Monde dated 203 Cf. Kottasová, Jobbiks Kreuzug gegen die Roma, Presseurop dated 15.06.2009, see: http://www. 27.06.2012, see: http://bigbrowser.blog.lemonde.fr/2012/06/27/adn-un-eurodepute-dextreme-droite- presseurop.eu/de/content/article/28161-jobbiks-kreuzzug-gegen-die-roma hongrois-decouvre-ses-origines-juives/

204 Gábor, Was hier abläuft, ist durchdachte Provokation, Republik Schilda dated 29.01.2010, see: 221 IInterview dated 08.03.2010, see: http://www.emberjogiorseg.hu/hungarian-lobby/805-bela-ko- http://republikschilda.blogspot.de/2010/01/was-hier-ablauft-ist-durchdachte.html vacs-our-geographical-and-historical-heritage-ties-our-country-to-europe-and-russia.html

205 Cf. Schmidt-Häuer, Unter der Fahne der Faschisten, Zeit dated 11.05.2009, see: http://www.zeit. 222 Interview dated May 2011, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DksnEFuqg44&feature=relmfu de/2009/20/Ungarn/komplettansicht

206 Cf. Bayer, 2009, p. 285

207 Cf. Pfeifer, Rechtes Theater, Jungle World dated 8 December 2011, see: http://jungle-world.com/ artikel/2011/49/44500.html

208 Verseck, Übergang ins Nirgendwo, Amnesty Journal dated February 2012, see: http://www. amnesty.de/journal/2012/februar/uebergang-ins-nirgendwo

209 Steinke, Mordserie an Roma, Frankfurter Rundschau dated 06.08.2009, see: http://www.fr-online. de/politik/ungarn-mordserie-an-roma,1472596,3342708.html

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BIBLIOGRAPHY 122 Jan Philipp Albrecht, MEP Platz der Republik 1 UDL 50 - 2113 11011 Berlin [email protected], www.janalbrecht.eu Layout: Pia Danner Printing: Aktivdruck, Göttingen

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