On the International Day against Fascism and Anti-Semitism, the Party of the European Left denounces the continuous rise of hate crimes and attacks on minority groups, particularly Muslims, Roma and Sinti, in Europe. The recent deportations of Roma citizens to Bulgaria and Romania showed that Europe is a long way from the glorious treaty declarations on freedom of movement and equal rights for EU Citizens.

Moreover, the re-introduction of vigilante patrols in Italy to illegally "protect internal security" represents tacit support for the persecution of Roma, Sinti and immigrants via militia comparable to those of Mussolini’s era. Fascism cannot be underestimated and it remains a real threat that can take advantage of a situation characterized by the ongoing economic crisis that is devastating the European social model.

The Party of the European Left wants to call attention to recent electoral gains for the far right in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Austria, as well as in Eastern Europe as an alarming sign that right-wing extremists and populists are gaining support.

The Party of the European Left supports the hundreds of coordinated actions planned by grass-roots organisations and groups in 49 European countries to recall our common past and act for a joint future under the common slogan: "Wipe out Hate". As history has shown time and again “united we stand, divided we fall”.
EL Secretariat, Brussels, 09 November 2010