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I would not say that far-right parties enjoy great popularity but they definitely infect society with hatred. Probably, the democratic tradition in the former communist countries, which is still fragile, allows the discontented and idiots to openly preach hatred. Furthermore, the unambiguous vindication of all the "victims" of communism, including representatives of Fascist and Nazi parties and associations that were active during World War II, has allowed the resumption of a party structure which is openly anti-Semitic in nature. In these countries, because one dictatorship replaces another, an amalgam between anti-communist and pro-Nazi ideas has been increasingly allowed which is extremely dangerous and contagious. As for Greece, it is clear that the shock of the economic crisis has played a role in the radicalization of some of its citizens.
 
In Bulgaria, the Attack party has also failed to increase its number of seats in the new parliament. How would you explain that? Do you think that the public support will continue after Volen Siderov’s decision to participate in the coalition government along with the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and his attitude to the protests?

Bulgaria is not an exception to this process, it is observed there in all its manifestations - from the "amalgam" and denial of the Holocaust to anti-Semitism and all other forms of xenophobia and intolerance. Volen Siderov is one of the caricature incarnations of this phenomenon, recognized by society as an extravagant caricature of any kind of negationism. Since the BSP and MRF which identify themselves as leftist and liberal structures are not such as they are based on the clan-cartel principle, an unprincipled formal coalition with Siderov’s clan of "mad dogs" is quite possible. However, the fact that more extreme movements than that of Siderov are emerging, for which anti-Semitism is becoming a major paradigm, is even more dangerous.

There is low tolerance towards different people throughout the world, whether we are speaking about religion or simple behaviour such as smoking. What do you think is the cause for the growth of intolerance towards other people's opinions?

I do not agree with that thesis of yours at all. To the contrary, civilized societies are continuously working on improving the tolerance in this world which is increasingly mixed in terms of communities. The results of this work are obvious in most places in Europe. Moreover, it is completely wrong, not to say unacceptable, for differences in a habit such as smoking to be defined as significant problems of tolerance.

Our personal habits have nothing to do with the political trends of society and when it considers them inappropriate it is entitled to put them under control.

What elements of the political, economic and social model of Switzerland can serve as good practice in the Balkans, particularly in Bulgaria and Greece?

The Swiss model is not applicable in the Balkans for many reasons. It is difficult to mention them here: it is the oldest European republic and the oldest democracy in Europe from the time of Christ to nowadays. Switzerland has never been a monarchy and its citizens have always felt responsible for their policies. Direct democracy is their life. The people there have 700 years of democracy behind them whereas we have only 23. Maybe this answers the question.