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Europe's far-right consolidates

The first-ever consolidation in the European Parliament of far-right fringe parties into a single formation — Identity, Sovereignty and Tradition — sends out a political message to the two biggest constituent blocs in the legislature, the centre-left Socialists and the centre-right European People's Party. The consolidation is a result of the induction of nominated members from Romania and Bulgaria following their accession to the European Union earlier this month. With the requisite minimum of 20 members drawn from six countries, the EU's far-right now qualifies for the status of a politically identifiable group to occupy positions in decision-making bodies. The new coalition features in its ranks France's National Front headed by Jean-Marie Le Pen; the United Kingdom Independence party; and the grand-daughter of Italy's wartime fascist dictator Mussolini, among others. Its platforms range from Holocaust denial through xenophobia and ultra-nationalism to anti-immigration. The 20-member far-right formation in the European Parliament hopes to increase its clout since it will now be entitled to exercise its voice in the legislative process and have access to common EU funds. However, its real prospects will be known only when the nominated representatives from the new member-countries are replaced by members chosen through the electoral process, which is to be held towards the end of 2007.

Ironically, the emergence of the far-right bloc coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the European Union, one of whose basic objectives was to usher in an era of peace and democracy in the continent. It can be contended that the new development merely mirrors, on a European scale, the presence of diverse ideological and political standpoints in the various national contexts. Against this backdrop, the reported moves by leaders from the mainstream parties to deny the new formation its place in the representative scheme of things might be counterproductive. It could play into the hands of the far-right's campaign against democratic institutions. Another reflection of worries over the activism of the lunatic fringe is the proposal to criminalise Holocaust denial across the EU (such criminalisation is already in force in nine European countries). The centre-left and centre-right parties must use every opportunity, at the local, national, and European levels, to expose the agenda of right-wing extremism politically. They cannot respond effectively to the challenge without adopting a common, realistic, and progressive approach to issues of economic reform, equity, and globalisation.

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