So why has Greece, birthplace of democracy, succumbed to such a vile message? The first thing that should be pointed out – and most obvious – is that about 80 per cent of illegal immigrants entering Europe arrive via Greece. And Golden Dawn have been most astute at exploiting the tensions that accompany such high levels of immigration. They offered to escort old ladies to the bank in case they were mugged by ''foreigners’’. They began distributing food parcels to pensioners, who were suffering under ever-increasing austerity. Landlords were given help in evicting migrants who could no longer afford the rent. Sometimes Golden Dawn would even decorate the vacated flats for free.