There is a message from the Sunday elections that we cannot and must not ignore or downplay within the framework of the debate between the government and opposition, as to who came out better off in the ballot race; the is the significant influence that Golden Dawn’s neo-Nazis have on the electorate.
There was a sense that the judicial investigation into the criminal activities of its members and the detention of its leadership would create against extremism. Unfortunately it appears that the despite the slew of revelations on its terrifying actions, the neo-Nazi gang continues to appeal to a considerable number of voters.
The projection of a so-called antisystemic profile, the militant attitude of their assault groups, the acceptance of violence as a means of solving social differences, the subculture it exudes along with the crisis and the decline of the old political system seem to be acceptable by a section of public opinion.
A diverse and socially heterogeneous electorate, from Kolonaki to Sepolia and Kolonos, from Attica to Macedonia, insists on considering an extremist Nazi group as the solution to the problems the crisis created.
Within this generalized climate of depreciation of politics and politicians, amidst the no-holds-barred clash between pro-bailout and anti-bailout supporters, traitors and patriots, as well as the proliferation of various conspiracy theories, the discourse and practices of the extreme far-right have been legitimized.
The neo-Nazis take advantages of the pervasive nationalist and xenophobic reflexes of Greek society, finding fertile ground to cultivate their presence and acceptance.
Let us not kid ourselves; it is a shame that in Greece – the country that gave birth to democracy – a portion of its people is investing in its subversion and catastrophe. Salvation is not going to come from those who are digging a grave for democracy.
However much anger a significant portion of society might have, it cannot find a solution and perspective in criminals and agents of extremist, anti-democratic views. Up until a few months ago, before Golden Dawn’s criminal activities were brought to light, it might be acceptable that some were swept away by the nationalist and antisystemic rhetoric.
Now though they have no excuse. They are well aware of whom they vote for and onto whom they are pinning their hopes. They must wake up and assume their responsibilities before it is too late.
TO VIMA
