OPINION

The Freedom Party of Austria or FPÖ aspires to come first nationally in the European elections. For the past 30 years it has been trying to normalize its image by attempting to break from its ideological heritage close to Nazism.

Is Beppe Grillo an extremist, a populist or a visionary? In spite of his slip-ups, his 5 Star movement is expected to get 25% of the votes in the European elections.  

The Dutch Party for Freedom or PVV is changing the face of the far-right in Europe. Anti-Islam but against homophobia, Geert Wilders’ party is leading the way for a softer form of nationalism.

Hungary is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. The country has to cope with the rise of Jobbik – the self-proclaimed “most popular radical party” in Europe. The ruling Fidesz party, on the other hand, does not hesitate to use their political opponent’s most extreme ideas.

The far right has been riding high in Denmark for over ten years. Xenophobic ideas defended by the Danish People’s Party have crept into the whole society.

The neo-Nazi Golden Dawn, an anti-Semitic, negationist and islamophobic party, has become a feature of Greek people’s daily life. With an estimated 15 to 20% of votes in the polls, they could enter the European Parliament in the next elections.

Has Marine Le Pen managed to turn the National Front into a regular party? It is hard to believe if we take into account the first measures taken by FN mayors since the municipal elections. But according to polls, the FN party is still expected to take the lead in the French ballot.

Surreal rearguard state or foretaste of problems yet to come? David Van Reybrouck predicts that the underlying causes of Belgium's political crisis will repeat themselves throughout Europe as the new media call into question established democratic practices.

Following Angela Merkel, and a few days prior to Nicolas Sarkozy, British Prime Minister David Cameron has claimed that multiculturalism was a fail. Cécile Laborde, professor at University College of London, is getting concerned about the raise of a "State multiculturalism potentially segregationist", and far more dangerous.

With the Tunisian revolution and increasing unrest in Algeria, it's time to reconsider our vision of islam. In a European context of spreading islamophobia, Marc Cheb Sun, founder and director the French “Respect Mag” magazine and initiator of an appeal refusing violence committed in the name of islam (1), invites us to change our view of Muslims inside and outside of Europe's borders.