Few people outside Germany paid much attention when a little-known Berlin politician named Rene Stadtkewitz convened a news conference here two weeks ago and announced the formation of a new "Freedom" party. But in a country where the collective memory of the Nazis has limited the influence of far right parties, the founding of a movement modelled on the anti-immigrant party of Dutch populist Geert Wilders was a small political earthquake.
Mr. Stadtkewitz, 45, wants headscarves banned, mosques shuttered and state welfare payments to Muslims cut. He is one of the new faces of a powerful anti-immigrant strain in European politics that is winning over voters and throwing mainstream politicians onto the defensive.
The traditionally tolerant Nordic country of Sweden became the latest to exhibit that phenomenon on Sunday when the far-right Sweden Democrats won 20 seats. The result prompted a lot of soul-searching in the Swedish media. The tabloid Expressen complained "obscure forces have taken Swedish politics hostage," while the leading daily Dagens Nyheter said, "The election's unpleasant back side is the Sweden Democrats' advance" and Aftonbladet said, "The nightmare scenario has happened."
In France, President Nicolas Sarkozy has taken pre-emptive action to prevent similar gains for the far-right National Front, announcing a crackdown on Roma and criminals.
In Italy, Umberto Bossi's Northern League has wielded huge influence over domestic policy, pushing through tough laws that allow authorities to fine and imprison illegal immigrants.
In the Netherlands, Mr. Wilders, who wants to ban the Koran and expel Muslims who commit crimes, has emerged in the span of a few months as arguably the most powerful politician in the country..
Note EU-Digest: in the Netherlands there basically has been a "silent coup d'etat" within two of the major central right parties VVD and CDA, where right-wingers have taken over control, and where the "old guard" moderate leadership has either left or been expelled. Providing the new leadership in these parties the opportunity to form closer ties with Geert Wilders and form a possible ultra - right wing, anti-immigration government coalition.
Mr. Stadtkewitz, 45, wants headscarves banned, mosques shuttered and state welfare payments to Muslims cut. He is one of the new faces of a powerful anti-immigrant strain in European politics that is winning over voters and throwing mainstream politicians onto the defensive.
The traditionally tolerant Nordic country of Sweden became the latest to exhibit that phenomenon on Sunday when the far-right Sweden Democrats won 20 seats. The result prompted a lot of soul-searching in the Swedish media. The tabloid Expressen complained "obscure forces have taken Swedish politics hostage," while the leading daily Dagens Nyheter said, "The election's unpleasant back side is the Sweden Democrats' advance" and Aftonbladet said, "The nightmare scenario has happened."
In France, President Nicolas Sarkozy has taken pre-emptive action to prevent similar gains for the far-right National Front, announcing a crackdown on Roma and criminals.
In Italy, Umberto Bossi's Northern League has wielded huge influence over domestic policy, pushing through tough laws that allow authorities to fine and imprison illegal immigrants.
In the Netherlands, Mr. Wilders, who wants to ban the Koran and expel Muslims who commit crimes, has emerged in the span of a few months as arguably the most powerful politician in the country..
Note EU-Digest: in the Netherlands there basically has been a "silent coup d'etat" within two of the major central right parties VVD and CDA, where right-wingers have taken over control, and where the "old guard" moderate leadership has either left or been expelled. Providing the new leadership in these parties the opportunity to form closer ties with Geert Wilders and form a possible ultra - right wing, anti-immigration government coalition.
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