Summer special: Who votes for the European far right? And why?
Aug 16, 2024
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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.
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 This shift challenges outdated perceptions of who votes for the far right and highlights a growing discontent with mainstream political options.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.
Economic Concerns Fueling Far-Right Sentiment
Economic troubles, including the cost of living crisis exacerbated by external factors such as the war in Ukraine, have contributed to growing support for far-right parties. These parties effectively capitalize on a sense of impending hardship, positioning themselves as protectors of national interests and promising to prioritize the needs of natives over newcomers. The narrative presented by these parties frames immigration as a fiscal burden, connecting deteriorating public services to an influx of migrants. This strategic messaging resonates with voters who feel neglected by traditional parties, further entrenching far-right support.
Local Issues and Identity Politics
Local grievances regarding housing shortages and inadequate public services play a significant role in driving support for far-right parties. Voters express frustration over their inability to secure affordable housing, often blaming migrants for exacerbating the situation even when the larger issue is related to rising prices driven by wealthier demographics. This perception creates a false dichotomy where citizens feel pitted against marginalized groups. As these frustrations grow, so does the appeal of far-right parties who promise to restore what voters perceive as their lost entitlements and stability.
Far-Right Normalization and Perception of Threat
The normalization of far-right rhetoric has contributed to a widespread perception that established political parties are ineffective in addressing contemporary crises. Voters are increasingly drawn to far-right solutions during crises, seeing them as competent managers who can address pressing immigration issues and other societal fears. This shift in perspective challenges historical voting patterns, as individuals turn away from centrist parties during times of uncertainty. The ongoing discussions surrounding societal changes, such as educational policies, gender identity issues, and immigration, further affirm a sense of existential threat that fuels the rise of these movements.
While the podcast takes a little break, we bring this insightful episode back into your feed — unpacking details of who votes for the far right in Europe. We unpack what drives voters to abandon the mainstream and more traditional party loyalties for the far right, and how poverty, or fear of it, motivates typical supporters of the AfD in Germany, Geert Wilders’ PVV in the Netherlands, or Chega in Portugal.
Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by POLITICO reporters Hanne Cokelaere, James Angelos and Aitor Hernández-Morales, who were recently dispatched to countries where far-right parties are gaining ground ahead of the recent European election.
Later on we have a fascinating conversation with Catherine de Vries, professor of political science and dean of international affairs at Bocconi University in Milan. Her research focuses on how economic hardship and problems with public services such as schools, health care or transport can fuel the far right.