kerkko.fi

I have long studied the rise of "respectable" fascism across Europe. From my youth, I have opposed totalitarianism, and especially the religious persecution that is often a part of it.

In July 2009, I stood and won against a Polish MEP, Michal Kaminski, for the post of vice-president of the European Parliament, because he symbolised the rise of disguised extremism in Europe.

It was not my principle, it was a higher one: to oppose a menacing political movement at a key moment in Europe's politics. Ambivalence about totalitarianism has no place in today's Europe.

It has now been disclosed that Kaminski has had fascist links: he was a member of Poland's notorious fascist National Revival Party (NOP) and tried, as its MP, to cover up anti-Jewish atrocities.

The rise of "respectable fascism" must be stopped.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jul/31/conservative-fascism-kaminski-europe/