Meet the ultra-nationalists who are on the rise
accross the Continent. Are they the Far-Right Stuff?
AUSTRIA JÖRG HAIDER, 52, former leader of Austrian Freedom Party; Governor of Carinthia SUPPORT: Won 26.91% of vote in legislative elections of 1999. Formed coalition with center-right People’s Party ON LE PEN: His success is "a victory for democracy and a resounding slap in the face for France’s established parties." QUOTE: "We take the right stand at the right time to save Austria against the dangers coming from outside." —1997
BELGIUM FILIP DEWINTER, 39, leader of Vlaams Blok
SUPPORT: Won 15.5% of the Flemish vote in 1999 legislative elections, which amounted to 9.87% of the national ballot ON LE PEN: "I am very, very pleased that Le Pen scored such a large victory. We are brothers in arms." QUOTE: "Only a policy of repatriation of foreigners makes sense." —1993
DENMARK PIA KJAERSGAARD, 55, leader of Danish People’s Party SUPPORT: Won 12% of vote in 2001 legislative elections, almost doubling the party’s seats ON LE PEN: No comment QUOTE: "The people are witnessing a markedly increasing number of serious crimes committed by foreigners ... There are areas in this country where a Dane only reluctantly moves about." —2002
ITALY GIANFRANCO FINI, 50, leader of National Alliance SUPPORT: Won 12% of vote in 2001 legislative elections ON LE PEN: "I try to analyze complex problems instead of appealing to the instincts, impulses and stomachs of voters." —2002 QUOTE: "Today, I wouldn’t say that anymore." —2002, in response to his 1994 statement that Mussolini was "the greatest statesman of the 20th century."
THE NETHERLANDS PIM FORTUYN, 54, leader of Fortuyn List SUPPORT: Polls suggest that Fortuyn List could win up to 20% of the vote in this month’s legislative elections ON LE PEN: "I wish not to be associated with that person."—2002 QUOTE: "For Muslims, as a homosexual, I am less than a pig. I am proud that in the Netherlands I can come out for my homosexuality, and I’d like to keep it that way." —1997
SWITZERLAND CHRISTOPH BLOCHER, 61, leader of Zurich section of Swiss People’s Party SUPPORT: Won 23% of vote in 1999 legislative elections, up from 15% in 1995 ON LE PEN: Any comparisons are "hurtful." —1996 QUOTE: "We have many asylum seekers who take advantage of their situation to commit crimes." —1999
