Research:
Nationalism and Ethnic Politics: What is new about “Eastern Nationalism” and what are the implications for studies of ethnicity today? ‘Focusing on the character of post-communist extreme nationalist parties, the meaning of “the nation” and the role of historical memory in Central and Eastern Europe, the article defends the notion of “eastern” nationalism with an aim to suggest a more fruitful research into ethnic politics in the region. It argues that contemporary “eastern” nationalism has its own dynamic; it encompasses a number of themes and developments some of which confirm that the eastern part of the continent is more ethnic, but yet others that negate it and are perhaps showing a way forward in the Europe of the future.’
To access (£) full article, click here.
Czech Republic:
Foreign Policy: Return of the Czech Communists. ‘Less than a year after Havel’s death, communism in the Czech Republic is making a comeback. A series of recent surveys show that the party — which has never fully apologized for its four decades of authoritarian rule — is the second-most popular in the country, its support hovering slightly above 20 percent. The next parliamentary elections, which may be called sometime in upcoming weeks as the current centre-right government hangs by a thread, could see the Communists return to power in coalition with the opposition Social Democrats. This would make the Czech Republic the first post-communist European country in which a communist party returned to government.’ Greece:
Comment – The Independent: The Golden Dawn: A love of power and a hatred of difference on the rise in the cradle of democracy. ‘You f**ing Albanian asshole!” In a video shot on 11 October outside the opening of ‘Corpus Christi,’ Terrence McNally’s controversial 1998 play that portrays Jesus as homosexual, the man, a member of the fascist Golden Dawn party, bellows abuse at theatregoers who were later beaten bloody by Neo-Nazis determined to shut down the show. This man is no ordinary right-wing thug, however. He is a member of Parliament.’
Ekathimerini: Golden Dawn MP charged over play protest. ‘Police on Friday brought charges against an MP of the far-right Chrysi Avgi (Golden Dawn) party, Christos Pappas, after he intervened in officers’ attempts to detain a protester outside the Hytirio Theater in central Athens where a controversial play dramatizing the story of Christ and the Apostles was being staged.’
Lithuania:
The Wall Street Journal: Lithuanians tied to KGB accusations dropped from ballots. ‘Political hopefuls from a range of parties were dropped from Sunday’s election ballot in Lithuania after their names were published on a list of alleged collaborators who worked with the Soviet-era KGB. In all, of the 10 election candidates named, five were removed from the ballots, either by their own parties or by the central elections commission.’
Hungary:
The Star: Roma in Hungary feel persecuted but they have nowhere to turn. ‘They called themselves a neighbourhood watch. On March 1, 2011, at least 2,000 members of a right-wing paramilitary group called the Civil Guard Association for a Better Future rolled into this sleepy former coal-mining village 80 kilometres east of Budapest. The paramilitary members lingered in front of Roma homes in Gyongyospata with snarling dogs, lit torches and whips. They waved red and white flags similar to those flown by the Arrow Cross Party — Nazi sympathizers — during World War II.’
Russia:
Ria Novosti: Soldier, 3 Insurgents Slain in Dagestan. ‘Three Islamic militants and an army soldier were killed during a skirmish in the North Caucasus republic of Dagestan, a source at a local law enforcement agency said on Saturday. The gun battle took place during a law enforcement operation in a forest outside the village of Endirei, 80 kilometers west of the regional capital Makhachkala.’
Central Asia Online: Russians, Tajiks sign 2013 security pact. ‘Ideologically motivated extremism is the biggest threat to Russia and Tajikistan, Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev said after an October 10 bilateral discussion of security issues, News.tj reported. The countries are working to improve the exchange of information and issuance of warnings about illegal acts by organised crime and have signed a plan for co-operation in 2013, Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rakhimov said.’
Polls via Electionista:
- Czech Republic (regional elections national vote share): Civic Democrats 12.3%, Social Democrats 23.6%, Communists 20.4%
- Lithuania (RAIT exit poll): Labour 19.8% Social Democrats 17.8 Homeland Union 16.7 Liberal Movement 8.5 Way of Courage 8.5 Order & Justice 8.4
- Montenegro (university exit poll): DPS 46.18% Democratic Front 20.01% Socialist People’s Party 12.85% Positive Montenegro 9.47% Bosniak 3%
