Tag: far-right populism

Far-right entertainment

The rise of various right-wing populist and extremist movements has become the most hair-raising and sometimes the most absurd reality show ever seen. This rollercoaster has had some entertaining twists and turns. The latest example is the charity single “Justice for All”, published by former president Donald J. Trump and the J6 Prison Choir, a choir consisting of men who were imprisoned for taking part to the insurrection in Washington, USA on the 6th of January 2021.

Read the full story and listen to the single on The Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/03/donald-trump-song-charity-single-january-6-prisoners

The hardline American-Israeli alliance

The situation in USA and Israel, and now also in Britain, is quite extraordinary. USA and Britain have been seen as strong, some might say leading democracies, but the recent developments are worrying. As the right-wing parties in all these three countries have been veering more and more to the right, there are signs that the traditional parliamentary democracy and the rule of law are not respected, anymore. Trump has campaigned right from the beginning against the traditional American political system and “elite.” Nigel Farage, friend of Trump, regular guest on Fox News and leader of the far-right Brexit party, has repeatedly talked about the need for a “revolution.” (1, 2, 3) In the election manifesto of the British Conservative Party there is a mention:

“After Brexit we also need to look at the broader aspects of our constitution: the relationship between the Government, Parliament and the courts; the functioning of the Royal Prerogative; the role of the House of Lords; and access to justice for ordinary people.” (4, page 48)

Many political decisions seem to favor industrialists and other super-rich, for example tax cuts introduced by President Trump, his climate change denial and changes to environmental legislation (5, 6, 7, 8). In Britain, the Conservative party is now dependent on ultra-rich pro-Brexit donors (9). Xenophobia, racism and all kinds of hate crimes have increased significantly (10, 11). Where is this all leading to? Is there a possibility that we will see emergence of a new political regime, or “empire”, that is some sort of combination of laissez-faire capitalism and fascism ? A far-right plutocracy?

The first casualty has probably been the truth. The right-wing populist leaders in these countries – and elsewhere – are a new breed, not only do they make false claims and promises but they also do it without shame. Alastair Campbell, who worked as director of communications for Tony Blair, said that President Trump, Prime Minister Johnson and others like them have shown that we have moved from post-truth to post-shame (12). Also, the current political leaders of all these three countries – President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Johnson – are facing possible trial because of their dubious activities (13, 14, 15).

Here are more of my novice observations of the situation in each of the three countries. First, USA. One of the key slogans Donald Trump used during his first presidential campaign was, “Drain the swamp!” Trump promised to clean Washington from old political elite and make the American government “honest once again” (1). However, President Trump has surrounded himself with far-right figures and politicians with connections to anti-Muslim and other hate groups (16, 17, 18, 19). He has also hired super-rich and corporate lobbyists, he even has rewarded some of his billionaire supporters by giving them role as ambassadors – in Gordon Sondland’s case, that didn’t turn out to be such a wise decision, as we have seen during the impeachment hearings. Trump claimed that the impeachment inquiry is “an attempted coup” (20, 21, 22, 23, 24). Another Trump’s slogan has been, “America first” (25). During Trump’s presidency, USA has decided to leave international organizations and agreements, for example UNESCO, Palestinian aid organization UNRWA and the Paris climate agreement (26, 27, 28). Furthermore, Trump has now attacked World Trade Organization WTO and forced it’s top court to shut down (29, 30, 31). Trump also criticized World Bank for loaning money to China (32). During his interview last summer, Trump said that the EU is a competitor and therefore “a foe” just like Russia and China (33). Trump is arguably the most pro-Israel president USA has ever had. During Israeli American Council national summit last week, Trump declared that he is Israel’s best friend in the White House (34). Trump has made several political decisions that were favorable to Israel, including the decision to leave UNICEF and UNRWA. Trump has also recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and he transferred US Embassy there. Trump also said that the occupied Golan Heights belong to Israel (35, 36). Prime Minister Netanyahu revealed that he talked about American-Israeli mutual defense pact and annexation of Jordan Valley with Secretary of State Pompeo during their recent meeting in Lisbon, Portugal – curiously enough, USA denied this (37).

Benjamin Netanyahu has become the longest-serving prime minister in the history of Israel. He has cooperated with right-wing populists and far right in Israel and elsewhere – in Europe, Brazil and with Trump. (38, 39, 40) Former US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that Netanyahu used “Machiavellian” tactics in order to “play” Trump (41). Netanyahu’s political campaigns have also caused controversy. Facebook suspended Netanyahu’s campaign page briefly in September because of an inflammatory message regarding Arabs (42). Netanyahu has vowed to annex the Jordan Valley and rest of the West Bank, if he will be able to continue as prime minister. However, the recent elections in Israel have been a very tight race and Netanyahu hasn’t been able to form a government (37). After Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced criminal charges against him, last month, Netanyahu accused the judiciary, the police and others of attempted “coup.” During protests, Netanyahu’s supporters called him “the king of Israel.” (43, 44)

In a way, the dramatic and worrying developments in the American-Israeli alliance can be seen particularly well in Britain, where Boris Johnson’s carefully choreographed rise to power, his controversial decision to prorogue the parliament and his aggressive populistic rhetoric have started a new era in British politics. (45, 46, 47) Some of the key traits of Boris Johnson are his casual, populistic hatemongering and his complete untrustworthiness. Johnson has become infamous for his offensive and inflammatory comments about women, EU, EU citizens, ethnic minorities, Muslims and many others (48, 49, 50, 51). However, he has said in interviews that he is strongly pro-Israel and “passionate Zionist” (52). Lord Cooper, who worked for former PM David Cameron, described Johnson like this (53):

“The rottenness of Boris Johnson goes deeper even than his casual racism and his equally casual courting of fascism. He will advocate literally anything to play to the crowd of the moment. His career is a saga of moral emptiness and lies; pathetic, weak and needy; the opposite of strong.”

Peter Oborne and a group of other journalists have started a facts check website regarding Johnson’s lies. Oborne wrote yesterday that Johnson’s Conservatives are “a revolutionary sect” (54, 55). Alexandra Hall Hall, lead envoy for Brexit in the British Embassy in USA, resigned last week. In her letter of resignation she wrote (56):

“I have been increasingly dismayed by the way in which our political leaders have tried to deliver Brexit, with reluctance to address honestly, even with our own citizens, the challenges and trade-offs which Brexit involves; the use of misleading or disingenuous arguments about the implications of the various options before us; and some behaviour towards our institutions, which, were it happening in another country, we would almost certainly as diplomats have received instructions to register our concern”.

“It makes our job to promote democracy and the rule of law that much harder, if we are not seen to be upholding these core values at home.”

“I am also at a stage in life where I would prefer to do something more rewarding with my time, than peddle half-truths on behalf of a government I do not trust.”

Also Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland and key ally of the Conservative Party, said on Monday that Johnson had betrayed their trust (57).

President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Johnson will have to fight for their political survival in the coming days. Johnson will be the first one to face the test during the general election today. Just like during the Conservative leadership race in the summer, Johnson has tried to avoid too much scrunity by refusing to take part to some televised debates and interviews (58, 59). Johnson, Trump and Netanyahu also seem to have wanted to avoid each other. Johnson and Trump were not planning to have a formal meeting during recent NATO summit in London. However, they met at 10 Downing Street (60, 61). Prime Minister Netanyahu was planning to travel to the NATO summit, but that trip was cancelled due to “logistical problems.” Netanyahu met Secretary of State Pompeo in Lisbon, instead. (62, 63) When Trump spoke to the Israeli American Council, last weekend, he didn’t mention Netanyahu (64).

References:

1) “Here’s what Trump means when he says ‘drain the swamp’ – even though it’s not an accurate metaphor” Business Insider 12.11.2016

https://www.businessinsider.com/what-does-drain-the-swamp-mean-was-dc-built-on-a-swamp-2016-11

2) “Farage hired by Fox News as a political analyst” BBC 20.1.2017

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-38695203

3) “General election Brexit Party policies: Farage launched ‘political revolution for ordinary people'” Sky News 22.11.2019

https://news.sky.com/story/general-election-brexit-party-policies-farage-launches-political-revolution-for-ordinary-people-11867115

4) “Get Brexit Done – Unleash Britain’s Potential” Conservative party election manifesto 2019

https://assets-global.website-files.com/5da42e2cae7ebd3f8bde353c/5dda924905da587992a064ba_Conservative%202019%20Manifesto.pdf

5) “Here’s who is saving the most money from Trump’s tax cuts” CNBC 23.9.2019

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/23/who-is-saving-the-most-money-from-trumps-tax-cuts.html

6) “Trump’s tax cuts helped billionaires pay less than the working class for first time” The Guardian 9.10.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/oct/09/trump-tax-cuts-helped-billionaires-pay-less

7) “As Trump Administration Downplays Warming, Agencies Chronicle Climate Impacts” Scientific American 9.10.2019

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/as-trump-administration-downplays-warming-agencies-chronicle-climate-impacts/

8) “85 Environmental Rules Being Rolled Back Under Trump” The New York Times 12.9.2019

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/climate/trump-environment-rollbacks.html

9) “The Tory party is so dependent on big money it now represents only a tiny elite” The Guardian 9.12.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/09/money-matters-elections-tories-ultra-rich-brexit-donors

10) “Hate crime violence in US hit 16-year high in 2018: FBI” Al Jazeera 14.11.2019

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/hate-crime-violence-hit-16-year-high-2018-fbi-191113172541294.html

11) “Hate crimes double in five years in England and Wales” The Guardian 15.10.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/oct/15/hate-crimes-double-england-wales

12) “From Trump to Boris Johnson, we’re moving from post-truth to post-shame” The Guardian 15.7.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jul/15/populism-boris-johnson-brexit-trump

13) “Trump impeachment: Democrats unveil formal charges” BBC 10.12.2019

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50731010

14) “Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu will be indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust” CNN 22.11.2019

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/21/middleeast/benjamin-netanyahu-charges-israel-intl/index.html

15) “Anger as police decision on Boris Johnson’s Jennifer Arcuri scandal is ‘shelved’ until after election” i news 10.11.2019

https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/police-probe-jennifer-arcuri-scandal-shelved-after-election-920617

16) “Anti-Muslim” (hate groups) Southern Poverty Law Center

https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/anti-muslim

17) “The Alt-Right’s Love Affair With Trump Is Over. Here’s Why.” Vice 9.7.2019

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/gy4ee7/the-alt-rights-love-affair-with-trump-is-over-heres-why

18) “Here are the extremist figures going to the White House social media summit” Media Matters 9.7.2019

https://www.mediamatters.org/donald-trump/here-are-extremist-figures-going-white-house-social-media-summit

19) “Stephen Miller: why is Trump’s white nationalist aide untouchable?” The Guardian 4.12.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/04/stephen-miller-trump-administration-white-nationalism

20) “Trump and His Cabinet Net Worth” The Balance 13.3.2019

https://www.thebalance.com/the-net-worth-of-trump-and-his-cabinet-4570997

21) “Trump says he’s draining the swamp as he fills Cabinet with ex-lobbyists” CBS News 20.7.2019

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-says-hes-draining-the-swamp-as-he-fills-cabinet-with-ex-lobbyists/

22) “Trump’s Ambassadors Are Uniquely Unqualified. The Ukraine Scandal Proves It” Mother Jones 14.11.2019

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/11/trumps-ambassadors-are-uniquely-unqualified-the-ukraine-scandal-proves-it/

23) “Republicans Turn Up Heat on Gordon Sondland in Impeachment Hearing” Time 10.12.2019

https://time.com/5746844/republicans-turn-up-heat-on-gordon-sondland-in-impeachment-hearing/

24) “Donald Trump has claimed multiple times that he’s the victim of an attempted coup” Newsweek 2.10.2019

https://www.newsweek.com/trump-tweets-coup-impeachment-civil-war-fox-news-1462555

25) “Trump hammers home ‘America First’ ideology at UN” Politico 24.9.2019

https://www.politico.eu/article/trump-hammers-home-america-first-ideology-at-un-gathering/

26) “US and Israel formally quit UNESCO” Al Jazeera 1.1.2019

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/israel-formally-quit-unesco-190101094104787.html

27) “In one move, Trump eliminated US funding for UNRWA and the US role as Mideast peacemaker” Brookings 7.9.2018

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2018/09/07/in-one-move-trump-eliminated-us-funding-for-unrwa-and-the-us-role-as-mideast-peacemaker/

28) “Is the United States Really Leaving the Paris Climate Agreement?” Foreign Policy 5.11.2019

https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/11/05/paris-climate-agreement-united-states-withdraw/

29) “Trump vs. the WTO” Axios 10.12.2019

https://www.axios.com/trump-vs-wto-blocked-appointments-d6eb10e6-f0a9-4c46-b801-71d9836c4c5a.html

30) “WTO chief: ‘Months’ needed to fix disputes body” BBC 10.12.2019

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50736344

31) “UK’s post-Brexit trade at risk as WTO’s top court shuts down” The Guardian 11.12.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/11/uk-post-brexit-trade-at-risk-as-wto-top-court-shuts-down

32) “Trump calls for World Bank to stop loaning to China” Reuters 7.12.2019

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-worldbank/trump-calls-for-world-bank-to-stop-loaning-to-china-idUSKBN1YB010

33) “Trump: EU is one of United States’ biggest foes” Politico 19.4.2019

https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-putin-russia-europe-one-of-united-states-biggest-foes/

34) “Trump dubs himself Israel’s ‘best pal’ in White House” Daily Sabah 8.12.2019

https://www.dailysabah.com/americas/2019/12/08/trump-dubs-himself-israels-best-pal-in-white-house

35) “The controversial US Jerusalem embassy opening, explained” Vox 16.5.2018

https://www.vox.com/2018/5/14/17340798/jerusalem-embassy-israel-palestinians-us-trump

36) “Golan Heights: Trump signs order recognizing occupied area as Israeli” BBC 25.3.2019

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47697717

37) “Netanyahu rebuffs US State Department denial he discussed annexation with Pompeo” The Times of Israel 8.12.2019

https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-rebuffs-us-state-department-denial-he-discussed-annexation-with-pompeo/

38) “Benjamin Netanyahu becomes Israel’s longest-serving leader” BBC 20.7.2019

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49043102

39) “At home and abroad, Netanyahu faces backlash for far-right alliance” Reuters 24.2.2019

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-election-usa/at-home-and-abroad-netanyahu-faces-backlash-for-far-right-alliance-idUSKCN1QD0M4

40) “Benjamin Netanyahu, best friend of the far right” Le Monde Diplomatique 13.9.2019

https://mondediplo.com/2019/09/13netanyahu

41) “Tillerson says Netanyahu skillfully ‘played’ Trump using misinformation” The Times of Israel 19.9.2019

https://www.timesofisrael.com/tillerson-says-netanyahu-skillfully-played-trump-using-misinformation/

42) “Netanyahu’s Facebook page suspended over hate speech” Independent 12.9.2019

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/benjamin-netanyahu-facebook-page-suspended-why-arabs-post-a9102541.html

43) “Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel PM defiant in face of ‘coup'” BBC 22.11.2019

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50512102

44) “In Tel Aviv, Netanyahu die-hards stage an ominous display of fear and anger” The Times of Israel 27.11.2019

https://www.timesofisrael.com/woeful-tel-aviv-protest-stokes-fear-and-loathing-among-netanyahu-diehards/

45) “ANALYSIS: If Boris Johnson is so popular, why are his handlers hiding him away?” PoliticsHome 31.7.2019

https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/boris-johnson/analysis/105682/analysis-if-boris-johnson

46) Margulies, Ben: “Understanding Boris Johnson’s appeal: performative rebelliousness, impishness, and indiscipline” LSE British Politics and Policy 1.8.2019

https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/the-appeal-of-boris-johnson/

47) “Boris Johnson seeks to divide and conquer with his incendiary rhetoric” The Guardian 29.9.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/29/boris-johnson-seeks-to-divide-conquer-with-incendiary-rhetoric

48) “Boris Johnson branded ‘chauvinist’ and ‘racist’ after comments from old book resurface” Independent 24.9.2019

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-fast-lane-the-johnson-guide-to-cars-book-criticism-women-india-a9118196.html

49) “Boris Johnson’s racist insults, dog whitles and slurs” New Statesman 12.6.2019

https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/06/boris-johnson-s-racist-insults-dog-whistles-and-slurs

50) “15 of the worst things Boris Johnson has said about leaders or other countries” Independent 24.7.2019

https://www.indy100.com/article/boris-johnson-worst-quotes-iran-china-saudi-arabia-russia-turkey-8439071

51) “Campaigners attack Boris Johnson for EU nationals remarks” The Guardian 9.12.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/09/campaigners-attack-boris-johnson-for-eu-nationals-remarks

52) “A ‘passionate Zionist'” Jerusalem Post 25.7.2019

https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/A-passionate-Zionist-596689

53) “‘Morally empty’ Johnson is courting fascism, says peer as Tory crisis mounts” The Guardian 12.8.2018

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/12/boris-johnson-courting-fascism-says-peer-tory-crisis

54) The lies, falsehoods and misrepresentations of Boris Johnson and his government

https://boris-johnson-lies.com

55) “Boris Johnson wants to destroy the Britain I love. I cannot vote Conservative” The Guardian 11.12.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/11/boris-johnson-destroy-britain-conservative-revolutionary-sect

56) “Top British diplomat Alexandra Hall Hall quits with searing Brexit critique” CNN 7.12.2019

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/06/uk/top-british-diplomat-quits-brexit-intl/index.html

57) “Arlene Foster accuses PM of breaking his word over Brexit deal” The Guardian 9.12.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/dec/09/arlene-foster-accuses-pm-of-breaking-his-word-over-brexit-deal

58) “Tories threaten Channel 4 after ice sculpture takes PM’s place in debate” The Guardian 28.11.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/28/ice-sculpture-to-replace-boris-johnson-in-channel-4-climate-debate

59) “Boris Johnson pulls out of another BBC interview on day before election” Independent 11.12.2019

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-general-election-bbc-interview-jeremy-vine-andrew-neil-a9242256.html

60) “Boris Johnson avoids meeting with Trump during NATO gathering” NBC News 3.12.2019

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/boris-johnson-looks-avoid-damaging-trump-meeting-during-nato-gathering-n1094656

61) “Donald Trump enjoyed meeting with Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street” Evening Standard 4.12.2019

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/donald-trump-enjoyed-meeting-boris-johnson-a4304036.html

62) “Netanyahu’s London trip to meet Pompeo said nixed after veto from UK officials” The Times of Israel 2.12.2019

https://www.timesofisrael.com/pms-london-trip-to-meet-pompeo-nixed-after-veto-from-uk-officials-report/

63) “Netanyahu: US redeployment in Syria places Israel in better position” Israel Hayom 4.12.2019

https://www.israelhayom.com/2019/12/04/netanyahu-pompeo-to-discuss-iran-in-lisbon/

64) “Three’s a crowd: 6 things to know for December 8” The Times of Israel 8.12.2019

https://www.timesofisrael.com/threes-a-crowd-6-things-to-know-for-december-8/

Italian far-right leader Salvini goes nuts at Nutella

Even though we are spoilt for choice, these days, award for the most outlandish right-wing populist stunt of the week has to be given to Matteo Salvini, leader of the Italian far-right anti-immigration party Northern League. Salvini had become famous for his enthusiastic devotion to world-famous Italian chocolate spread Nutella. However, Salvini now declared that he had abandoned Nutella after finding out that the hazelnuts used in Nutella spread are actually imported from Turkey.

Read the full story on Financial Times:

https://www.ft.com/content/a6f9d0e8-1824-11ea-9ee4-11f260415385

Two US Republican candidates suggest Ilhan Omar should be hanged

Danielle Stella and George Buck, two US Republican congressional candidates, have suggested that Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar “should be tried for treason and hanged.”

Read the full stories:

1) “Ilhan Omar’s opponent barred by Twitter after suggesting congresswoman should be hanged” The Washington Post 29.11.2019

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/11/29/ilhan-omars-opponent-suspended-by-twitter-after-suggesting-congresswoman-should-be-hanged/

2) “US Republican faces backlash for suggesting Ilhan Omar be hanged” Al Jazeera 4.12.2019

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/republican-faces-backlash-suggesting-ilhan-omar-hanged-191204194331956.html

Spanish far-right party Vox and the changing right-wing politics in Spain

Spanish Social Democratic Party PSOE was the clear winner of Sunday’s general election in Spain. PSOE won 28.7 % of the votes and 123 parliamentary seats, an increase of 38 seats. However, the left-wing coalition Unidas Podemos won 14.3 % of the votes and 42 seats, a loss of 29 seats. (1, 2)

A more significant upheaval seems to be taking place amid Spanish right-wing parties. The conservative party Partido Popular PP suffered historic defeat by losing over half of its seats (loss of 71 seats) and by winning 16.7 % of the votes. Ciudadanos won 15.9 % of the votes and 57 seats, an increase of 25 seats. (1) There have been indications that Ciudadanos is becoming more right-wing and the success of the party in this election will make it challenger of the PP. (2, 3, 4, 5)

The biggest shock was the success of far-right party Vox. The party won 24 seats and 10.3 % of the votes and it became the first far-right party to enter the Spanish parliament after decades (6). Vox has become known for its strong, aggressive rhetoric and its stance against multiculturalism, mass immigration, Muslims and women’s rights. Vox has drawn inspiration from French, British and American hard-line right-win populists. Members of the party have shown their admiration for President Trump and his policies and they like to use slogans that are similar to the ones used by Trump. (7)

Vox has quite interesting connections to neoconservatives and other right-wing politicians in the U.S. camp. Leading Spanish neoconservative and former Prime Minister of Spain, José María Aznar, is seen as influencer or “tsar” of the three Spanish right-wing parties Vox, PP and Ciudadanos (8). Aznar has spoken favorably about Santiago Abascal, current leader of Vox and former member of PP. Aznar said in October that Abascal is a “boy full of good qualities.” (9) Rafael Bardají, another leading Spanish neoconservative and former advisor of Aznar, is now strategist of Vox. Bardají is well-known for his strong support for Israel and for his anti-Muslim stance. Bardají is founder and former director of Madrid-based right-wing think-tank Strategic Studies Group GEES and he is also Executive Director of the Friends of Israel Initiative. (10, 11) Steve Bannon, former advisor of President Trump, endorsed Vox after meeting Bardají, last year. Bannon has wanted Vox to be part of his European far-right alliance The Movement. (7, 10)

Even though Vox is now known for its Islamophobia, the party has actually received funding from Iranian dissident groups. When Vox was founded as a splinter group of PP in 2013, one of the founders of Vox, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, arranged funding for the new party from exiled Iranian group National Council of Resistance of Iran NCRI. According to a spokesperson for the NCRI, the organization gave funding without knowing that Vox would become a far-right party. The NCRI is now considered to be a “front organization” of Iranian terrorist cult Mojahedin-e-Khalq MEK. Several American politicians have shown their support for MEK. President Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani and National Security Advisor John Bolton consider MEK to be a legitimate opposition to the current Iranian government. (12)

References:

1) “Analysis: How did Sunday’s elections change Spain’s political landscape?” El País 29.4.2019

https://elpais.com/elpais/2019/04/29/inenglish/1556519911_184823.html

2) Elecciones generales 2019 – Resultados El País 29.4.2019

https://resultados.elpais.com/elecciones/generales.html

3) “Everyone against Ciudadanos” El País 30.11.2017

https://elpais.com/elpais/2017/11/30/inenglish/1512056948_465189.html

4) “Spain’s Albert Rivera shifts party rightward ahead of vote” Financial Times 24.3.2019

https://www.ft.com/content/1774e27e-4a29-11e9-8b7f-d49067e0f50d

5) “Ciudadanos disputa al PP el liderazgo de la derecha” El País 29.4.2019

https://elpais.com/politica/2019/04/28/actualidad/1556462369_564500.html

6) “Spanish election: socialists win amid far-right gains for Vox party” The Guardian 29.4.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/apr/28/spain-election-socialists-to-win-most-seats-far-right-vox-resurgent

7) “Vox: Who are the Trump-inspired far-right Spanish nationalist party and what do they stand for?” The Independent 11.1.2019

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/vox-andalusia-santiago-abascal-spain-steve-bannon-donald-trump-a8723121.html

8) “A Darkening Horizon” Jacobin 17.12.2018


https://jacobinmag.com/2018/12/spain-municipal-elections-vox-far-right

9) “Abascal, busting Spain’s ‘traitors’ to resurrect far-right” Yahoo Finance 29.4.2019


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/abascal-busting-spains-traitors-resurrect-far-222819746.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmZpLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMYJjsTJ3i2PaUP1Jh6mZOPRvgFACNlkpkcZ7dxqzSUZRF06chuy9BAHJ4_xb3eDp1qKBpLjTaOopzV4wuuJ0Vt8_CnFTYgweE4PSF3_H3VDr5bXtugKcJQRzoYr4iUT946T3rjKgPXVifIPB_eW73VoWyPAfOc9RigUY6L_BD40

10) “Bannon sets his eyes on Spain” European Council on Foreign Relations ECFR 24.10.2018

https://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_bannon_sets_his_eyes_on_spain

11) Contributors – Rafael Bardají Octavian Report

https://octavianreport.com/contributor/rafael-bardaji/

12) “Spain’s Vox Party Hates Muslims – Except the Ones Who Fund It” Foreign Policy 27.4.2019

https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/04/27/spains-vox-party-hates-muslims-except-the-ones-who-fund-it-mek-ncri-maryam-rajavi-pmoi-vidal-quadras-abascal/

Far-right conspiracy theories about the Notre Dame Cathedral fire

The devastating fire of iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has made headlines everywhere and created vast amount of far-right conspiracy theories. The wild conspiracy theories started to circulate immediately.

In order to get more information about the fire, Fox News reporter Shepard Smith interviewed controversial French pro-Israel right-wing politician, media critic, conspiracy theorist and Islamophobe Philippe Karsenty (1, 2). After Smith asked about the fire, Karsenty said that the fire was “like a French 9/11.” Karsenty continued by saying that French churches have been desecrated every week during the past year and said that “the story of the politically correct, the political correctness which will tell you it (i.e. fire of Notre Dame) is probably an accident.” Smith interrupted the interview. (3, 4, 5)

Prominent counter-jihadists were quick to spread claims about Muslim reactions and involvement in the fire. Pamela Geller quoted a source claiming that Notre Dame inferno was “intentionally set” and she wrote on her blog that the fire is “emblematic of the decline and demise of Christianity and Judeo-Christian culture in Europe.” (6, 7) Robert Spencer claimed that Muslims “laughed” and “celebrated” the fire of Notre Dame (8). Breitbart News and Frank Gaffney Jr. used the fire as an opportunity to take swipe at Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Gaffney said that the destruction of Notre Dame is “a particular assault on Christianity” and he found it strange that even before the fire was out, it was said that the fire wasn’t “a deliberate attack.” (9) Fake CNN Twitter account claimed that the fire was caused by terrorism (4).

Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right party Alternative for Germany AfD claimed that the fire is linked to rising “intolerance”against Christians in Europe (10). Just like Pamela Geller, British far-right figure Katie Hopkins told about a rumor that the fire was intentionally set. Hopkins also wrote on Twitter:

“Jewish and Christian Parisians have been warning a long time. They are being hunted out of their city by Islamists, fleeing in their thousands. They are hounded from their former home. ‘Paris is lost.'” (11)

American far-right media personality Glenn Beck suggested that Islamists may have started the fire (12). British far-right media personality Paul Joseph Watson Tweeted that one worker claimed that “the blaze was deliberately set.” White supremacist Richard Spencer hoped that the fire would “spur the white man into action.” Perhaps the most bizarre conspiracy theories have claimed that the fire was an attempt to “burn evidence” of “ritual sacrifice of children.” (5)

A partner organization of the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe has found an increase in attacks on churches in France, this year, but there is no indication that Notre Dame had been targeted (10). If you look at the most recent published hate crime statistics regarding France, the overall amount of hate crimes recorded by police seemed to be smaller in 2017 compared to year 2016. The most significant motive of hate crimes seemed to be racism and xenophobia, followed by bias against sexual orientation, antisemitism and bias against Muslims. The amount of reported attacks on Christian properties seemed to be smaller than in 2016. (13)

While the fire of Notre Dame has dominated the headlines in mainstream media, another fire has hardly been noticed. A small fire broke out in Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam, on the same evening. Luckily the fire brigade of the Islamic Waqf was able to put out the fire quickly. (14) The cause of the fire is thought to have been an accident. When the office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told about the fire in the mosque, it also added that “the Presidency confirmed its solidarity and sympathy with our friends in France” over the fire of Notre Dame (15).

References:

1) Information about Philippe Karsenty on Powerbase

http://powerbase.info/index.php/Philippe_Karsenty

2) “French ‘bulldog’ politician Karsenty doubles down on al-Dura video fight” Jewish Telegraphic Agency 12.12.2012

https://www.jta.org/2012/11/12/israel/french-bulldog-politician-karsenty-doubles-down-on-al-dura-video-fight

3) Fox News reporter Shepard Smith interviews Philippe Karsenty YouTube 15.4.2019

https://youtu.be/TmYpIrmS28o

4) “The cause of the Notre Dame Cathedral fire remains unknown. Everything else is a rumor” USA Today 16.4.2019

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/04/16/notre-dame-cathedral-fire-conspiracy-theories/3486456002/

5) “Within Minutes Of Notre Dame Cathedral Fire, Conspiracies Reigned” Huffington Post 15.4.2019

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/notre-dame-cathedral-fire-conspiracy-theories_n_5cb4ce57e4b098b9a2d825c7

6) Pamela Geller on Twitter 15.4.2019


https://twitter.com/PamelaGeller/status/1117885949084520448

7) “Notre Dame ‘Emblematic’ Of Christianity’s Decline In Europe” Geller Report 16.4.2019

https://gellerreport.com/2019/04/notre-dame-emblematic-of-christianitys-decline-in-europe.html/

8) “‘Allah est grand’: Muslims laugh, celebrate as blaze destroys Notre Dame cathedral during Holy Week” Jihad Watch 15.4.2019

https://www.jihadwatch.org/2019/04/allah-est-grand-muslims-laugh-celebrate-as-blaze-destroys-notre-dame-cathedral-during-holy-week

9) Interview of Frank J. Gaffney Jr. on Breitbart News Daily 17.4.2019

https://youtu.be/no2JxxY0NGE

10) “Germany’s AfD claims Notre-Dame fire linked to anti-Christian attacks” The Local (Germany) 16.4.2019

https://www.thelocal.de/20190416/germanys-afd-links-the-fire

11) Katie Hopkins on Twitter

https://twitter.com/KTHopkins/status/1117861244168544256

12) Comment of Glenn Beck on indy100.com 16.4.2019

https://www.indy100.com/video/trending/glenn-beck-suggests-that-the-notre-dame-fire-was-started-by-islamists-7Utl5W0x

13) OSCE ODIHR Hate Crime Reporting

http://hatecrime.osce.org/france?year=2017

14) “Al Aqsa mosque catches fire same time as Notre Dame cathedral” Gulf News 16.4.2019

https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/al-aqsa-mosque-catches-fire-same-time-as-notre-dame-cathedral-1.1555395418351

15) “Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque struck by fire on SAME night Notre Dame burns” The Express 17.4.2019

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1115348/Al-Aqsa-Mosque-fire-Jerusalem-notre-dame-fire-paris-cathedral

Far-right populist Finns Party

The parliamentary elections in Finland on Sunday turned out to be a real cliffhanger. Social Democratic Party (SDP) won the elections with a very narrow margin. Far-right populist, anti-immigration Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset) came surprisingly close to victory. (1)

Members of the Finns Party are known for their Euroscepticism, ethno-nationalism, xenophobia, anti-immigration stance, racism and Islamophobia. In 2012, Finnish Supreme Court ordered Jussi Halla-aho, current leader of the party, to pay fines for his Islamophobic blog posts dating back to year 2008. Halla-aho is well-known in the counter-jihad circles, his comments have been published for example on Gates of Vienna website. (2, 3) Sebastian Tynkkynen, new MP of the party, was convicted of incitement against an ethnic group and breaching religious peace in 2017 because of his anti-Islamic Facebook posts during summer 2016 (4). Ano Turtiainen, also new MP of the party, was fined for inciting violence against the Red Cross in 2018 (5). Teuvo Hakkarainen, veteran MP of the party, was fined because of his anti-Muslim comments on Facebook in 2017 (6). Olli Immonen and Juho Eerola, both MPs of the party, and Jussi Halla-aho have been members of Suomen Sisu, a far-right, enthnonationalistic, Nazi-spirited organization (7, 8). Immonen caused an uproar in 2015 with his Facebook post against multiculturalism:

“I’m dreaming of a strong, brave nation that will defeat this nightmare called multiculturalism. This ugly bubble that our enemies live in, will soon burst into a million little pieces. Our lives are entwined in a very harsh times. These are the days that will forever leave a mark on our nation’s future. I have strong belief in my fellow fighters. We will fight until the end for our homeland and one true Finnish nation. The victory will be ours.” (9)

Immonen’s post was compared to the manifesto of Norwegian mass-murderer Anders Breivik and Immonen happened to publish his post around the time of the anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Norway (10, 11). Laura Huhtasaari, MP of the party, seems to have become Finnish poster-girl for the far right. Huhtasaari is an admirer of President Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and, alongside Jussi Halla-aho, one of the leading Islamophobes in Finland. Huhtasaari likes to imitate President Trump by using motto “Finland First.” (12, 13) When British far-right figure Katie Hopkins visited Finland with prominent counter-jihadist Elisabeth Sabaditsch-Wolff in January (14), Hopkins arranged a live interview with Huhtasaari in Helsinki. During the interview, Huhtasaari repeated her motto “Finland First” as well as her Islamophobic and anti-immigration views. When Hopkins asked, who Huhtasaari would like to meet, Huhtasaari mentioned that she had already met Jordan B Peterson (Canadian far-right academic) and that she would like to meet Paul Joseph Watson (British far-right vlogger). When Hopkins asked again, who Huhtasaari would like to invite to Finland, she said she likes Nigel Farage (British far-right Brexiteer). (15)

References:

1) “SDP takes top spot, populists rally, heavy losses for PM’s Centre in Finnish election” YLE News 15.4.2019

https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/sdp_takes_top_spot_populists_rally_heavy_losses_for_pms_centre_in_finnish_election/10739392

2) “Supreme Court orders Halla-aho to pay for hate speech” YLE News 8.6.2012

https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/supreme_court_orders_halla-aho_to_pay_for_hate_speech/6171739

3) “Jussi Halla-aho” Gates of Vienna website

https://gatesofvienna.net/repression/jussi-hall-aho/

4) “Ex-Finns Party youth leader convicted of hate speech” YLE News 16.1.2017

https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/ex-finns_party_youth_leader_convicted_of_hate_speech/9406509

5) “Finns Party pol fined for inciting violence against Red Cross” YLE News 12.9.2018

https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/finns_party_pol_fined_for_inciting_violence_against_red_cross/10400019

6) “Three Finns Party politicians in court over online hate speech” YLE News 4.1.2017

https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/three_finns_party_politicians_in_court_over_online_hate_speech/9388039

7) “Three anti-immigration PS MPs will pay Hirvisaari’s fine for hate speech” Migrant Tales 1.3.2012

http://www.migranttales.net/three-anti-immigration-ps-mps-will-pay-hirvisaaris-fine-for-hate-speech/

8) “What is Suomen Sisu?” Varis 13.12.2018

https://varisverkosto.com/2018/12/what-is-suomen-sisu/

9) “Finns Party Member Olli Immonen Wants to End the Nightmare Called ‘Multiculturalism’” Finland Today 26.7.2015

https://finlandtoday.fi/finns-party-member-olli-immonen-wants-to-end-the-nightmare-called-multiculturalism/

10) “PM: ‘I cannot accept Immonen’s remarks'” YLE News 26.7.2015

https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/pm_i_cannot_accept_immonens_remarks/8182347

11) “Norway attacks: at least 92 killed in Oslo and Utoya island” The Guardian 23.7.2011

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jul/23/norway-attacks

12) “WARNING: ISLAMOPHOBIC CONTENT – Laura Huhtasaari (Suomen Uutiset)” Migrant Tales 14.1.2019

http://www.migranttales.net/warning-islamophobic-content-laura-huhtasaari-suomen-uutiset/

13) “A Guide To The Far-Right Power Players Tearing Europe Apart” Huffington Post 25.8.2018

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/guide-far-right-players-europe_n_5b7bf18ee4b0a5b1febee47a

14) “With Katie Hopkins and Elisabeth Sabaditsch-Wolff in Oulu” Tundra Tabloids 14.1.2019

http://tundratabloids.com/2019/01/14/with-katie-hopkins-and-elisabeth-sabaditsch-wolff-in-oulu/

15) Katie Hopkins interviews Laura Huhtasaari

https://youtu.be/XtgGVTFkQoE

Back to 1930s-style politics

Some people said already long time ago that Muslims have now the same role Jewish people had during 1930s. That seems to become more and more obvious. Many kinds of right-wing groups and parties seem to use Muslims as a way to foster divisive politics and to strengthen their own power.

I have already written about the rising Islamophobia in Britain. Anti-Muslim hate crimes increased across Britain by 593% in the week after the Christchurch terrorist attacks (1). The British Conservative Party seems quite complacent regarding Islamophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric within the party (2). British far-right UKIP party hired notorious Islamophobe Tommy Robinson as a special adviser (3). British far-right figure Katie Hopkins has started touring in Europe and USA with prominent counter-jihadist Elisabeth Sabaditsch-Wolff (4, 5).

The developments in Britain are similar to the situation in mainland Europe, North America and Australia. Anti-Muslim rhetoric and sentiment has become commonplace within right-wing political circles and mainstream media. Therefore it is no wonder that Muslim leaders around the world have criticized mainstream media, politicians and academics for cultivating systemic and institutionalized Islamophobia (6). During his recent visit to Cairo, the Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres expressed his concern regarding the growing anti-Muslim sentiment and the increase of hate crimes all over the world (7).


During this spring there will be several important elections in Europe and elsewhere. European far-right populist and nationalist parties are expected to gain more votes because of their anti-immigrant and Islamophobic rhetoric (8). However, the first elections to watch for will take place today in Israel where Prime Minister Netanyahu is trying to win the elections with his far-right allies (9).

References:

1) “Anti-Muslim hate crimes soar in UK after Christchurch shootings” The Guardian 22.3.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/mar/22/anti-muslim-hate-crimes-soar-in-uk-after-christchurch-shootings

2) “The Guardian view on Tory Islamophobia: inaction speaks volumes” The Guardian 28.3.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/28/the-guardian-view-on-tory-islamophobia-inaction-speaks-volumes

3) “Brexit party leader hires prominent anti-Muslim extremist as adviser” The National 23.11.2018

https://www.thenational.ae/world/europe/brexit-party-leader-hires-prominent-anti-muslim-extremist-as-adviser-1.795130

4) “Finland: Katie Hopkins and Elizabeth Sabaditsch-Wolff at the Finnish House of Parliament during live sessions” Tundra Tabloids January 2019

http://tundratabloids.com/2019/01/finland-katie-hopkins-and-elizabeth-sabaditsch-wolff-at-the-finnish-house-of-parliament-during-live-sessions/

5) Katie Hopkins on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/KTHopkins/status/1105498588627521536

6) “‘Systemic Islamophobia’ fuels terror attacks, say Muslim leaders” The Guardian 18.3.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/18/uk-muslim-leaders-seek-funding-for-mosque-security

7) “UN head warns against growing anti-Muslim sentiment during Cairo visit” Middle East Eye 2.4.2019

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-head-warns-against-growing-anti-muslim-sentiment-during-cairo-visit

8) “Populists are whipping up a storm as Europe faces lurch to the right” The Guardian 6.4.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/apr/06/brexit-distraction-far-right-nationalists-eu-elections

9) “Israelis prepare to go to the polls: here’s what we know” The Guardian 8.4.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/apr/08/israelis-prepare-to-go-to-the-polls-heres-what-we-know

The Brexit cliffhanger in Britain continues

Things are heating up in Britain. Britain was supposed to leave the EU today, but during the recent days it has become more and more likely that there will be a delay – just how long, it is unclear. The chaotic cliffhanger continues. Prime Minister May promised to resign, if her Brexit deal is accepted. Her promise predictably started a fervorous leadership competition within the Conservative Party. (1) The hard-line Brexiteers lead by Nigel Farage will congregate on the Parliament Square around 4 p.m. GMT today. Farage tweeted yesterday:

“Westminster has betrayed the greatest democratic vote in the history of our country, and we won’t let them get away with it.” (2)

The far-right UKIP Party has been advertising their own Make Brexit Happen Rally which is sponsored by notorious far-right figure Tommy Robinson and his TR News service (3). Leader of UKIP Gerard Batten tweeted yesterday:

“There are reports that water cannon may be deployed tomorrow in London, & that some of the police may try to aggregate and provoke Brexiteers. There is always the danger of provocateurs planted to cause trouble. I hope it is not true but I call on everyone present to be peaceful.” (4)

Several far-right extremists and groups are going to try to cause riots and other trouble. For example, members of the UK “yellow vests” threatened on social media:

“If you stop Brexit, we’ll make the Paris riots look like a f***ing tea party.” (5)

Counter-protesters, including anti-fascists and trade unions, are going to oppose the far-right rallies. The police are bracing for possible unrest and clashes between different demonstrators. (5)

References:

1) “At least 10 cabinet ministers considering prime ministerial bids” The Guardian 28.3.2019

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/28/cabinet-ministers-considering-running-prime-minister-theresa-may-conservatives-tories

2) Nigel Farage on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/nigel_farage

3) UKIP National News 25.3.2019

https://www.ukip.org/national-ukip-news-item.php?id=196

4) Gerard Batten on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/GerardBattenMEP/status/1111394659551584257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Eprofile%3AUKIP%7Ctwcon%5Etimelinechrome&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukip.org%2Fnational-ukip-news-item.php%3Fid%3D196

5) “Brexit protest: Police brace for disorder after far-right threaten to riot at London rallies” The Independent 29.3.2019

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-brexit-riot-violence-far-right-tommy-robinson-leave-ukip-eu-met-scotland-yard-a8844181.html

“Time for some structured anarchy” – British hard-line Brexiteers preparing to fight for Brexit

With less than three weeks to the official Brexit day, Prime Minister May is expected to face another defeat on Tuesday, when the parliament will vote on her Brexit deal proposal. The hard-line Brexiteers are getting ready to fight for Brexit. The hard-liners also seem to want to polish their image.

Boris Johnson wrote on The Telegraph on the 24th of February:

“…I am getting sick of the constant suggestion that anyone who sticks up for Brexit must have far Right tendencies. I can’t understand why people are suddenly claiming that anyone who wants to get out of the EU – and follow the instructions of the British people – is a zealot, or an extremist, or Ukip, or Blukip, or some kind of ultra-conservative bigot. Where is this stuff coming from?” (1)

Johnson himself has become infamous for his racist and Islamophobic remarks. Last year he caused an uproar by comparing veiled Muslim women to “letter boxes” and “bank robbers.” Bizarrely, Johnson was not considered to have breached the Conservative Party’s code of conduct. (2)

Last Tuesday, chairman of the European Research Group ERG Jacob Rees-Mogg once again accused May’s government and the Remainers of trying to block Brexit. He wrote in The Sun:

“…the extreme Remainers do not just want an extension — they want ­reversal (i.e. of Brexit referendum) and see this as a first step.

It is worth remembering that those who love the European Union prefer it to democracy and always have done.”

“…the Government must prove that it is committed to the referendum result, for that is the authoritative ­constitutional voice.

No responsible government ought to allow the constitution to be subverted because of its own weaknesses. The ­conventions are there for good ­reasons and, if ignored, confidence in the system that has served well for ­centuries will be damaged — with ­consequences that could include the rise of extremist parties. Failure to deliver Brexit would be a gift to Tommy Robinson.” (3)

Leave Means Leave campaigner Nigel Farage tweeted yesterday that “it’s time for some structured anarchy.” He also advertised March To Leave campaign and “historic rally of Brexiteers” on Parliament Square, London, on the 29th of March. (4)

References:

1) “Brexiteers are not far-Right zealots. Just ask the younger Tony Blair” The Telegraph 24.2.2019

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/02/24/brexiteers-not-far-right-zealots-just-ask-younger-tony-blair/

2) “Conservatives rule Boris Johnson comparing Muslim women in veils to letter boxes and bank robbers was ‘respectful'” The Independent 21.12.2018

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-cleared-burka-niqab-bank-robber-letterboxes-conservative-party-a8693761.html

3) “We the people have spoken on Brexit… let us now have have lift-off ” The Sun 5.3.2019

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8570432/jacob-ress-mogg-people-have-spoken-on-brexit/

4) Nigel Farage on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/nigel_farage