Centrist parties across Western Europe face significant electoral disadvantages despite their ideological positioning.

Data & Methods:

• Analyzed survey data and election results from multiple countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK during 2015-2023 periods

• Examined media coverage to understand public perception of centrist parties

Key Findings:

• Centrists consistently receive fewer votes than expected based on their ideological centrality

• Voters penalize centrist parties more harshly when choosing between left and right alternatives

• Media portrayal contributes significantly to negative sentiment against these parties

Implications:

The research suggests that while appearing moderate might attract voters, it actually creates credibility gaps in political science. These findings are crucial for understanding electoral dynamics and provide insights into how representation shapes voting behavior across Europe.