Demand or Discontent? Far Right Voters Weigh Both Motivations

Why do voters support far-right parties?

This paper argues that strategy plays a key role alongside policy demand and protest sentiment in driving far-right voting. I explore how the incentives offered by these parties shape voter mobilization.

Using data from six European Election Studies, my analysis reveals two distinct effects:

• Policy Attainments: When far-right parties achieved legislative success previously, it increases confidence in their nativist policy promises and broadens support for them across Europe.

• Electoral Strategies: However, entering government dampens these parties' appeal to voters seeking anti-establishment protest. This strategic trade-off significantly constrains popular discontent mobilization.

These findings highlight how the political behavior of far-right parties fundamentally shapes their electoral viability through carefully balanced incentive structures.