After Golden Dawn’s demise, a dangerous new far right flourishes in Greece
Al JazeeraJUN 2023
Greek Court Strips Right-Wing Lawmakers of Seats Over Alleged Electoral Fraud
Above: Leader of Greek nationalist party Spartiates (Spartans) Vasilis Stigas (2nd L) attends a swear-in ceremony of the parliament in Athens on July 3, 2023, following the general elections. Image copyright: Aris Messinis/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
This court decision represents a crucial victory for Greek democratic institutions against far-right manipulation. The Spartans party deliberately deceived voters by hiding their true neo-Nazi leadership, violating fundamental electoral laws designed to protect democracy from criminal organizations. The court was right to take action, as the far-right continues to grow and perpetuate hatred and even violence.
Right narrative
The ruling sets a dangerous precedent of judicial overreach that undermines voter choice and democratic representation. Removing elected officials based on alleged "hidden leadership" threatens the principle that voters should decide who represents them in parliament. Politicians in Europe are routinely smeared by the establishment as far-right or fascist whenever they gain electoral success, justifying undemocratic actions.