Скачать или смотреть Neo-Nazi Golden Dawn Party in Greek Elections: Nationalists Use Immigrant, Austerity Anger

As Greeks prepare for a crucial parliamentary election, the far-right Golden Dawn party is riding a wave of anger over illegal immigrants and austerity in its bid to win seats in the next vote.

Coming virtually out of nowhere, the party won 21 seats in the May 5 election before the parliament was disbanded to allow a repeat vote on June 17.

Golden Dawn's success has stunned many, but Greek political historian Thanos Veremis credits its rise to the country's tumultuous economic climate and rise in crime.

University of Athens Professor Thanos Veremis:

"It's a new phenomenon, where people are afraid to go to certain parts of Athens. That's an entirely new phenomenon, as is the new (Golden) Dawn phenomenon, a new phenomenon. It's the remedy to violence—a new kind of violence to counter this violence that people were unused to."

The ultranationalist group has fought accusations that it is a neo-Nazi party, despite its use of an ancient Greek symbol that resembles a swastika and its open hostility to immigrants—not to mention its fiery rhetoric.

Golden Dawn Party leader Nikolaos Mihaloliakos:

"The channels and the dirty conspiracy against the nationalists, in all over Greece, in all over the world. You are liars against the nationalism. You must be ashamed for all your lies."

During a recent rally, Golden Dawn MP Ilias Panagiotaros told supporters that the party would raid hospitals and remove immigrants and their children to make room for Greeks since medical supplies and beds at many medical facilities are running desperately low.

The latest polls show support for the far-right party has slipped but still remains above the 3% threshold needed to secure seats in parliament. The question now seems to be whether more exposure will secure Golden Dawn a major spot in the debate over Greece's future or send it back into the fringes of Greek politics.