‘Despite’?

Journalists are dumb the world over, but this coming from a German reporter is pretty rich:

Fear of militant Islam and of political shifts in the world of diamond trading has had a bizarre effect on Antwerp’s political scene. A growing minority of Antwerp Jews sympathizes with Vlaams Belang (or Flemish Interest and formerly known as Vlaams Blok), the most successful extreme right-wing party in Europe, which has held the largest number of seats in the regional parliament of Flanders ever since the 2004 elections.

Despite being pro-Flemish and xenophobic, Vlaams Belang presents itself as markedly pro-Israel and demands stronger action be taken against those Moroccan immigrants in Belgium who openly display their contempt for Jews.

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Let’s ask again: how can a party be “extreme right wing” yet “hold the largest number of seats”?