Rise of far right in Greece worries mainstream

Elena Becatoros - Associated Press Writer

AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris
In this Thursday, April 26, 2012 photo a Nazi-style poster with a Celtic cross replacing the swastika is displayed on the wall, left, as Giorgos Germanis, right, a candidate of the extreme far-right Golden Dawn party and an unidentified man are seen at a party office in the suburban town of Artemis, 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Athens.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Reeling from a vicious financial crisis that has cost them pensions and jobs, Greeks have been turning away in droves from the mainstream politicians they feel have let them down. Another political force is trying to tap the void, with blunt promises to "clean up" the country. It's one that could see Europe's most extreme far right deputies take up seats in Greece's Parliament in crucial May 6 elections.

Black-clad Golden Dawn members have been storming across the campaign trail across Greece, stopping to chat at cafes and shops, handing out fliers promising security in crime-ridden neighborhoods — and vowing to kick out immigrants.

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April 30, 2012

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1. Philip Vorgias wrote on April 30, 2012 9:35 AM	The endless corruption, scandals and political impotency of the major parties is what empowers these fringe groups. ND and PASOK better end the 'business as usual' and assume responsibility for the problems the averate Greek in the streets has to deal with, or they will be replaced. And justifiably so.

2. Nicholas Kostopoulos wrote on May 02, 2012 10:04 AM	ND & Pasok have their survival because of corruption and bribes. A tiger can never change its spots. Hopefully a new way and party can correct this mess in Greece. As far as scare tactics in complaining that Golden Dawn is like the Nazi is what ND and PASOK what you to think. Time will tell. I'll give anyone the benefit of the doubt considering what the past and probably the present will be Greece under ND and PASOK. More of a collapsing economy, lawlessness, strikes, illegal immigration, more detention centers, poverty, and default.

3. Niko Seretis wrote on May 02, 2012 10:24 PM	Greece needs new leadership and I don't mean Samaras ans Venizelos. I think at this point other than kke which should be outlawed, any new faces in Greek politics preferably businessman would be welcomed. Unfortunately the Greeks are still striking and trying very hard to destroy what's left of tourism there so until they hit rock bottom and stop blaming others for their mess the quicker change will come.

4. Philip Vorgias wrote on May 03, 2012 11:03 AM	The only power the unions have left in Greece is to disrupt what little is left which brings money into the country-tourism. They think by threatening to shut down the one business in Greece which works they'll achieve their demands. It's the action of a dying power group-unions are going extinct in Greece after decades of over-the-top demands and justifiably so. They no longer serve a purpose in the modern economy.
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Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Last Update: 7:59 PM ET