Did the Breivik Massacre Change Norwegian Politics?

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http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/norway-after-breivik-populists-gain-lost-ground-a-845586.html

***SNIP


Populists Gain Ground Again

Anyone who wants to know whether the Norwegians have changed after the attacks of July 22, 2011, can interpret a lot from this scene with the prime minister at the rocks. Politicians here are still straightforward in their dealings. That hasn't changed. Trust doesn't appear to have been lost either. There is no hysteria in Norway over the issue of security. In any case, there is no armed bodyguard to be seen anywhere near Stoltenberg.

During the last year, Norway has impressed the world. Not only with its dignified way of mourning, but also because of the country's clear recognition of democracy and for the graceful way its people handled Breivik's trial and his outbursts in court. Recent polls even indicate that the Norwegians' faith in democracy has grown during the past year.

Even so, in recent weeks, cracks have also appeared in the image of a tolerant and humane Norway. What place does Breivik, a Norwegian, have in this Norway? Has the country, in which one-fifth of voters casted their ballots for the right-wing populist Progress Party (FrP), changed politically?

Prior to his radicalization, Breivik had been a member for a time in FrP's youth organization. But the party has recently seen its fortunes rise again. One poll shows the party with more than 22 percent support among voters -- nearly twice FrP's showing in local elections held just weeks after the attacks. Deeply tanned party boss Siv Jensen recently appeared on Norwegian TV station NRK in an interview taped on Oslo fjord in which she proudly boasted of the party's recent success in the polls.

[Iggy]

1. Sorry, not a relevant issue

for me-- I live here, not in Norway.

in addition, because of stronger gun laws in EU nations and due to much better mental health
care, EU nations are not experiencing the numerous mass murders which occur here.

yes, I am saying automatic weapons like AR-15's (like Holmes used) must be banned in the
U.S. It's insane we have to even debate this.