Anders Behring Breivik’s July 22 attacks that killed 77 in Norway brought new focus to growing right-wing extremism in Scandinavia, a region formerly known for liberality and a well-ordered prosperity. While Mr. Breivik’s murders set him apart, he is part of a growing minority that is virulently opposed to Islam, which it sees as a totalitarian ideology bent on destroying the West.
In the words of Soren Espersen, a leader of the Danish People’s Party, “We are not against Muslims but against Islam taking political control of our society and canceling our democracy. Islam [represents] the same danger as communism or the Nazis.”
Robert Marquand, our Paris bureau chief, covered this story with Frank Radosevich (Sweden) and Valeria Criscione (Norway).
Highlights of the Monitor's coverage of the rise of Europe's far right:
Denmarl's election a litmus test for Europe's far right politics – Robert Marquand in Copenhagen, Denmark
Norway massacre likely to ramp up monitoring of right-wing groups – Robert Marquand in London
Norway attacks put spotlight on Europe's right wing parties. Who are they?
