A quantitative study from the sociology department of Panteio University examined the reasons why young people voted for the neonazi Golden Dawn (GD) party during the Greek elections of June 2012. The research, carried out in the framework of the European MYPLACE (Memory, Youth, Political Legacy and Civic Engagement) program found that those aged between 18-34 that voted for the party did so due to ideological belief rather than for reasons stemming from the crisis.

The reason why GD was the second most popular party among young people in the June 2012 elections was because it was generally viewed as a “nationalist party”. Young GD voters saw the GD party as a patriotic option rather than “despicable”, “fascist” or “neonazi” though they believe that there is an ideological alignment between GD and fascism.

“Others were living in trees when we had civilization,” said one young male voter, citing a typically GD-inspired phrase. Other young GD voters surveyed as part of the study made numerous racist comments about “uncivilized” foreigners, saw nationalism as positive, viewed other parties as “degenerate” and “hypocrites.”

Golden Dawn’s brand of patriotism

Professor Alexandra Koronaiou says that the study makes it clear that young people didn’t turn to GD only due to economic pressure. The study highlights that young voters strongly identify with the ideology of GD that stems from a stereotypical perception of Greece’s supposed superiority and great ancient civilization.

Only a small number of the young voters in the study believed that second and third generation immigrants to Greece could be considered Greek citizens and a majority of young GD voters believe in the cultural and biological superiority of Greece.

The report also found that young GD voters displayed a contempt for democracy and hatred towards political figures in Parliament, showing instead a preference for a totalitarian system.

Indoctrination begins young at the GD Christmas bash

For the study, researchers sent 1,200 surveys to young people aged from 16 to 25 years of age in the Attica region and also conducted 60 interviews with young voters as well as 15 intergenerational group discussions.