Outcast the ultras

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in a file image Francisco Seco / AP

Europe has attended this week, in a matter of hours, three important initiatives linked to the future of the far-right nebula on the continent.

The German secret services announced the formal placing under surveillance of Alternative for Germany, the main opposition party in the Bundestag, on suspicion of trying to subvert the constitutional order;

the French Government has declared illegal the radical xenophobic and Islamophobic organization Génération Identitaire, for promoting an ideology of hatred;

and the European People's Party forced out of its ranks from Fidesz, the formation of Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán.

Naturally, these are episodes with very different characteristics, and the affected groups also have differences between them.

But there is a clear common denominator on which it is convenient to reflect: how moderates should interact with extreme right-wing formations.

In Orbán's case, it is worth celebrating that the PPE finally established the idea that Fidesz could not be part of the group, which has precipitated his voluntary departure.

The decision comes late, due to the long acquiescence of the German CDU - a stain on the otherwise neat performance of the formation - and the Spanish PP, among others.

It was clear for a long time that Orbán violates the minimum democratic standards to belong to the noble popular family.

Still, better late than never.

In the case of Génération Identitaire, it is undoubtedly a controversial decision, but on the whole the zero-tolerance policy against those who flirt with rhetoric and acts of foreseeable incendiary consequences seems right.

In the German case, finally, it is a matter based on lengthy investigations that is substantially for the courts to evaluate.

Each case has its own nature, and it is often difficult to determine the correct way to proceed.

Co-option is sometimes a strategy that can pay off.

Sanitary cords and, even more, outlaws are actions of the utmost democratic gravity that cannot be decided lightly.

But once evidence has emerged of a deficient democratic spirit or an unsatisfactory commitment to constitutional values, there can be no hesitation.

The moral compass must always prevail over considerations that history will almost inevitably portray as political calculations of gallinaceous flight.

This issue is especially relevant in this difficult time.

The crisis that began in 2008, milder than this one, and the immigration crisis of 2015, gave wings to extremist groups.

It is possible that the current one will do it even more or cause the drift of some who are now on the edge.

You have to be prepared.

Take a good look.

Draw conclusions in the face of extremism, whatever its color.

The Pole Star are the core values.

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