Fears mount of extremist activities in Switzerland

There are increasing concerns about the rise of extremism in Switzerland. Recent developments include the founding of a new neo-nazi party and two bomb attacks carried out by a far-left group.

There are increasing concerns about the rise of extremism in Switzerland. Recent developments include the founding of a new neo-nazi party and two bomb attacks carried out by a far-left group.

The Swiss National Party was set up in Berne earlier this month by the 24-year-old David Mulas. A confirmed anti-semite, Mulas says he draws his inspiration not from Adolf Hitler, but from his lieutenant, Rudolf Hess.

Mulas is intent on forging links with the German National Democratic Party, whose xenophobic platform has won it some success at the ballot box in Germany.

The Swiss National Party counts some 60 members. The only set-back suffered by Mulas so far is his failure to convince a hotel in Berne to host the party’s first conference this weekend.

More worryingly, Mulas has warned that his party may turn to violence if it is in any way hindered by the authorities.

One group already operating oputside the law comes from the opposite extreme of the political spectrum. Revolutionary Perspective claimed responsibility for two minor bomb attacks against military targets in Berne earlier this week.

The group later issued a statement announcing further attacks were being prepared.

The head of the federal police, Urs Von Däniken, recently warned against complacency.

“In the last years we could observe a certain tendency towards extremism and towards more and more violence. Of course, they are not a threat to the security of Switzerland, but nor do they pose no danger.”

swissinfo with agencies