The populist radical right (PRR) has begun embedding itself within mainstream politics across Europe, according to a recent study from the University of Surrey.
This trend, once perceived as temporary or marginal, now appears to be cementing itself within the political landscape. Researchers argue that the PRR, often defined by its anti-elitism, nativism, and authoritarian tendencies, is no longer confined to the fringes but is slowly gaining traction in the political mainstream.
The study’s findings are based on an extensive analysis of European political trends over the past two decades. It challenges the common perception that the PRR is simply a passing wave, suggesting instead that its ideologies are reshaping political norms and values.
The Shift in European Politics
Professor Daniele Albertazzi, co-author of the study and Professor of Politics at the University of Surrey, explains that the once-clear line between radical right movements and mainstream politics has begun to blur.
“What we are witnessing is not a temporary surge but a shift in political norms and values,” said Professor Albertazzi. “The radical right is no longer the outsider; it’s shaping the core of political debate.”
However, the study stops short of declaring the PRR fully mainstream. Professor Albertazzi notes that while populist attitudes have become more prevalent, the more extreme nativist and authoritarian elements of PRR ideology are still largely confined to a minority of Europeans.
“Our research has shown that populist and, even more so, radical-right attitudes still set PRR voters apart from the electorate at large. Radical-right attitudes are endorsed by a minority of Europeans and enjoy much lower levels of support than liberal and social-democratic ones. Therefore, we can establish that the populist radical right still cannot be considered fully as part of the mainstream today.”
Key Findings
The study offers several key insights into the rise of PRR movements across Europe:
- Electoral Success: PRR parties have won national elections in seven European countries and placed second in another seven.
- Governance: PRR parties have joined governments in 14 European countries, marking their growing influence.
- Voter Sentiment: While populist attitudes, such as people-centrism and anti-elitism, are supported by a large majority of Europeans (four out of five voters), nativist and authoritarian views remain less popular, with only 32% of Europeans expressing strong nativist views and 24% showing authoritarian leanings.
- Geographic Variations: Nativist attitudes are more prevalent in certain countries, particularly Hungary, Slovakia, and Greece.
- Enduring Support for Liberal Values: Despite the rise of populist movements, the study finds that most Europeans strongly support liberal-democratic and social-democratic values. Consistently, over 80% of respondents across the continent express support for these ideologies.
These findings illustrate the growing prominence of PRR ideologies, even if they have not yet become the dominant force in European politics. The study suggests that while populism has established itself within the mainstream, the radical right’s more extreme tendencies remain largely outside it—at least for now.
Implications for European Democracy
The study raises important questions about the future of democracy in Europe. If mainstream political parties continue to adopt PRR ideologies, the risk of polarisation within European politics could deepen. This could have far-reaching implications for the continent’s democratic governance, potentially undermining the values of tolerance and inclusivity that have long underpinned the European political system.
“Although nativist and authoritarian values cannot be said to have become ‘mainstream’ yet, populism has done so by now, contributing to the evolution of the very notion of mainstream politics today,” Professor Albertazzi said.
The rise of the PRR has sparked debates across Europe about the nature of democratic values and the future of political discourse. With populist parties entering coalition governments and increasingly shaping policy discussions, some experts worry that traditional democratic norms could be under threat.
The study indicates that European politics is undergoing a transformation, as populist movements continue to evolve and, in some cases, gain political legitimacy. While the PRR has not yet fully entered the mainstream, its growing influence suggests that Europe’s political landscape may look very different in the years to come.
The Road Ahead
As the PRR continues to make inroads into mainstream politics, questions remain about how traditional parties will respond. Will they continue to embrace certain populist ideas, or will they push back against the nativist and authoritarian elements that define the radical right?
What is clear from the University of Surrey’s research is that the PRR is no longer a movement that can be dismissed as marginal. It has established itself as a significant player in European politics, and its influence is likely to grow.
The findings offer a sobering look at the state of European democracy, highlighting the complex and often contradictory nature of contemporary political discourse. As populist movements gain ground, European leaders will need to grapple with the challenge of preserving democratic principles while responding to the growing discontent that fuels PRR support.
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