The Greek Right

The Greek political landscape includes significant roles played by the right-wing parties, especially New Democracy and the more radical factions.
As of the May 2015 elections, New Democracy is trailing Syriza in polls.

Attention is drawn to various significant European elections in 2015.
A notable incident involved a "Republican march" in Paris, displaying European political leaders' solidarity amid angry electorates.
- Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of Greece participated in this march to signify his stance in the election campaign against Syriza.
- There was controversy regarding the inclusion of far-right figures in this march, with Marine Le Pen of the National Front demanding recognition.

Post-war Europe witnessed the formation of Christian Democracy as a broad coalition inclusive of various right-wing factions.
In Greece, the left faced significant repression following the Greek Civil War, leading to three decades of political violence and the illegality of left-wing movements.

The assassination of leftist politician Grigoris Lambrakis exemplified the violent tactics of the Greek right, which involved both state and non-state actors.
The 1967 military coup marked a peak of anti-communist sentiment, supported by oligarchs and foreign powers.
- This period concluded with the fall of the junta in 1974, opening a path for new political dynamics.

Founded by Konstantinos Karamanlis as a response to the political turbulence post-1974.
Characterized by old-style, paternalistic politics and a mix of economic liberalism alongside nationalistic and anti-communist rhetoric.
The party has shifted ideologically, struggling between neoliberal commitments and nationalist sentiments.

The party has seen splits between traditional conservatives and neoliberal factions, illustrated by the temporary departure of Dora Bakoyannis.
Leadership under Samaras has intensified national-chauvinist tendencies, particularly since the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment in Europe.

The fragmentation of the Christian Democratic umbrella allows for the rise of a variety of right-wing movements, some viewing outright fascism as a legitimate political path.
The Independent Greeks and the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) reflect evolving right-wing sentiments.
- Notable shifts include overlap between LAOS members and New Democracy, with figures like Makis Voridis joining the party despite extreme backgrounds.

Samaras has capitalized on xenophobic sentiment, emphasizing border control as a key campaign issue.
Alarming instances of violence against immigrants highlight the escalation of right-wing rhetoric and action in the context of economic strain.

Concerns about the transition of right-wing rhetoric into action if the Nazis of Golden Dawn gain electoral support.
The intersections of far-right movements with mainstream politics signify potential risks to democratic processes in Greece.

The EU's bureaucratic measures maintain pressure on Syriza’s potential left-wing reforms, reflecting broader trends of getting tougher against radical movements.
Political solidarity among EU leaders exemplifies a broad acceptance of right-wing sentiments within established political frameworks.

Historical parallels drawn between leftist struggles and current forces of the right emphasize the necessity to critically analyze the resurgence of extreme political methods.

Wider implications of the resurgence of right politics in Greece echo across Europe, depicting a complex interaction between history, electoral politics, and societal tensions.