EU expresses concern about Chrysi Avgi

European Union Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele expressed his concern on Monday about any potential involvement of the far-right Chrysi Avgi in a new Greek government, as the neo-Nazi party triggered immediate controversy after making it into Parliament for the first time.

?Whatever government is formed it is important that it follows the best democratic traditions of Greece … within the spirit of the values the European Union is based on,? Fuele said during a visit to Skopje. ?What is important … (is) that no party connected or related to xenophobia or nationalism is a part of the executive branch of government.?

There is no prospect of Chrysi Avgi being asked to join a government. The party gained 21 seats on Sunday, prompting leader Nikos Michaloliakos to make a speech attacking the media and other parties. However the news conference proved more controversial due to the demands by party members that journalists stand when Michaloliakos entered the room. One reporter refused and was ordered to leave.