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EU Confidential

Summer special: Who votes for the European far right? And why?

Aug 16, 2024
Hanne Cokelaere, James Angelos, and Aitor Hernández-Morales, POLITICO reporters, dive deep into the motivations behind the rising support for far-right parties across Europe. They discuss the changing demographics of these voters, including younger supporters and women. Economic hardship and fears surrounding education and public services emerge as significant factors driving this shift. The conversation also touches on surprising trends in countries like Portugal and Germany, revealing a complex picture of disillusionment with mainstream politics.
39:44

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The support for far-right parties has diversified beyond traditional demographics, increasingly attracting young people, women, and migrants who seek alternatives to mainstream politics.
  • Economic hardship and local grievances, such as rising housing costs and inadequate public services, significantly motivate voters to turn to far-right parties for perceived solutions and stability.

Deep dives

Changing Demographics of Far-Right Voters

Far-right political parties are no longer solely attracting the stereotypical angry white male voter; instead, their support base has diversified significantly. Recent observations indicate that young people, women, and even some migrants are increasingly inclined to support these factions, recognizing them as viable alternatives to traditional parties. This shift challenges outdated perceptions of who votes for the far right and highlights a growing discontent with mainstream political options. Polling data suggests that in the lead-up to elections, these groups are becoming more receptive to the messages of parties like Portugal's SEGA and Marine Le Pen's National Rally in France.

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