All EU leaders must take bold and brave stance to face down rise of fascism

Tonight, MEPs will debate how to fight the resurgence of neo-fascism in Europe. The Greens/EFA  group condemns in the strongest terms the rise of neo-fascist and right wing-extremist movements in the EU and elsewhere. The revelations about the plan by right-wing extremists, including the AfD, to deport millions of people from Germany and the march by fascists in Rome at the beginning of the year show once again that the threat to our democracy is growing and is very real.

Terry Reintke MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments;

“The AfD’s inhuman plans to deport millions of people is a frontal attack on democracy and on us all. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

“Anyone who believes that they are not targeted by the attacks on our political system, on governments, on the LGBTQI community and on migrants is mistaken. The right-wing extremists will not stop at anyone who thinks differently, loves differently, looks differently, speaks differently.  

Thousands of people  are protesting against the AfD and right-wing extremists in many German cities. This shows that the AfD does not represent the supposed silent majority and that an increasing number of people are standing up against a party that despises humanity.  The Christian Democrats have finally identified the AfD as their main political opponent. They must now show that they will fight their policies and rule out any cooperation.

“The neo-fascist parade in Italy, and the Italian’s government’s silence on it, are also clear proof that democracy in the EU is increasingly under threat. We know all too well that fascism can flourish when those who should stand up to its dangers turn a blind eye. Halting the rise of facism in Europe will require all democrats, to speak up. The Italian government and all European leaders must be bold, brave and face down the threat of facism.  Right-wing extremism has no place in our Union.”