The government plan in the upcoming trial of Golden Dawn members is to debunk the ultra nationalist party, by highlighting its criminal activities. Aside from “annihilating” Golden Dawn politically, the government also wants to approach its voters and supporters.
Despite the government’s efforts to suggest a certainty behind its moves, the Guardian accurately characterized the emergent case as being in “uncharted waters” for the Greek political and justice systems, illustrating the critical nature of the situation. The only certainty is that the arrest of Golden Dawn’s leaders has weakened the ultra nationalist’s profile as a fearless group.
The coalition government leaders Prime Minister Samaras and Vice President Venizelos met in New York City on Saturday where they debated strategies to ensure the political stabilization in the country, insisting that they do not intend on capitalizing on the recent optimist climate by calling elections.
The two leaders crucially agreed upon a strategy to discredit Golden Dawn, so that the ultra nationalists cannot claim martyrdom, despite their efforts. To that end, the government is taking the necessary legal measures so that Golden Dawn cannot prompt early elections, as they have hinted, while making the necessary amendments to suspend the party’s funding.
Furthermore the Minister of Justice Athanasiou is expected to submit an anti-racism bill which will increase the penalties for racially-motivated crimes and will enforce the suspension of political rights for up to five years for anyone found guilty of hate crimes and racist violence, including MPs.
What now remains to be seen is how the many smaller fringe parties and groups emerging will manage to fill the gap left in the far right by Golden Dawn eminent collapse.
