25-08-2007 / Hungary
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Hungary-extreme right anti-Semitic party initiated in Budapest
An extreme-right party on the fringes of Hungarian politics inducted the first members of its new paramilitary wing Saturday amid fears that its move will usher a resurgence of extremism.
The founding members of Magyar Garda, or Hungarian Guard, took their oath next to the presidential palace in Budapest with about 1,000 supporters of the Jobbik party in attendance.
The founding members of Magyar Garda, or Hungarian Guard, took their oath next to the presidential palace in Budapest with about 1,000 supporters of the Jobbik party in attendance.
Nearby, hundreds joined a counter-demonstration organised by anti-fascist groups, including Jewish and Roma rights organisations that want the authorities to ban the paramilitary group
At the induction ceremony, many were seen waving the red-and-white striped Arpad flag, a historic flag reminiscent of the one used by Hungary’s pro-Nazi Arrow Cross Regime during World War II.
Uniforms were also adorned with the emblem.
"The Magyar Garda was formed to execute a true (political) transition and to save the Hungarian people," Jobbik president and Magyar Garda founder Gabor Vona told the crowd.
Jobbik, known for its anti-Semitic, anti-Roma and anti-gay rhetoric, is a fringe far-right political party which is not represented in parliament, but is present in several municipalities across the country.
Date: 25/08/07
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