The debate on the Greek antiracist bill has been a considerable concern these days in foreign press. Because of the withdrawal of the New Republic, the tripartite government have led into infighting and tremors, so that was the focus of foreign writers most of which did not fail to mention the hidden role that the Golden Dawn party play in these events.
In a Guardian’s newspaper article, the British correspondent in Greece Helena Smith talks about the breach between the conservative side of the coalition (New Democracy party) and other partner parties (PA.SO.K.-DIM.AR.) as a result of the provisions of the bill relating primarily at curbing racist violence. Indeed, the newspaper hosts statements of the President of PA.SO.K, Ev. Venizelos, who describes the bill as an "international obligation of Greece to implement anti-racist measures as a response to accusations from other countries". The European Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, who in early May had urged the Greek government to pass legislation to restrain the influence of Golden Down, has the same approach as Venizelos. Citing recent polls, the columnist (Helena Smith) refers to stabilization of Golden Dawn party in third place among political forces, thanks to a growing popularity that has allowed it to be more aggressive in social and political level. On the other hand, the position of New Democracy party are mostly expressed on the statements of Deputy Interior Minister Charalambos Athanassiou saying that there is no need for new legislation, but there is a need for interventions and additions to the existing laws. According to the Guardian, a bill intended to curb xenophobia and racism ended up to highlight the ideological divide within the tripartite government.
The position of New Democracy party are mostly expressed on the statements of Deputy Interior Minister Charalambos Athanassiou saying that there is no need for new legislation, but there is a need for interventions and additions to the existing laws
More moderate views on the issue have the "Times of Israel", as well as consider the case as another sign of simmering tensions within the tripartite government, but not as a serious threat to its cohesion. The popular news site focuses on another aspect of the bill: the provisions relating to the criminalization of denial of the Holocaust and other Nazi crimes during World War II. Moreover, the article emphasizes that the proposed changes had strong support from international human rights organizations, which are alarmed by the increase of the racist violence in Greece. Finally, the site reported about last weekend’s protest, against the bill, made by the Golden Dawn, whose leader, Nick Michaloliakos considers that the proposed legislation is part of a broader effort to set his party outlawed.
As expected, the foreign press has followed from the beginning with great interest the issue of anti-racism bill and its political extensions. Common denominator of all articles was the discrepancy between government partners, which translated into cross ideological entrenchment. Finally, although the political developments progressed rapidly during the week (joint initiative between PA.SO.K and DIM.AR party, separate bills between New Democracy party and SYRIZA party), the international media news has always recognized the central role of the Golden Dawn in the case, as the outcome reportedly has serious risks to the party of Mr. Michaloliakos.
