Some fifty years after the end of the Second World War, the far right is on the rise again.

A state election in east Germany saw the Social Democrats beat Chancellor Helmut Kohl's Christian Democrats. But the most significant result was that of the extreme right German People's Union.

Often accused of racism and anti-semitism, they gained an unexpected 13% of the votes - enough to secure them seats in a German state parliament for the first time.

The result mirrors attitudes elsewhere in Europe. In Denmark, France, Austria and Sweden the extreme right has made electoral gains.

In eastern Germany again, neo-Nazi gangs have carried out vicious attacks on foreigners.

Their supporters say that the far right is entitled to take part in the political process in a democracy. They say their policies answer the needs of a dissatisfied public.

Many mainstream politicians and their followers however think they should be banned. Attacking France's National Front party, President Jacques Chirac said: "I feel that we are in the process of damaging France, its values, its image. The time has come to act."

Resurgences in extreme right wing support have happened before with limited effect on political life.

So is this current revival something to worry about? Or is it a temporary backlash of a disaffected electorate?

What do you think?

Is the far right cause for concern?

Their bark is much worse than their bite....
Adam Grant, UK

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