Far-Right Parties Win Backing of Almost One in Four European Voters

New research conducted by a network of more than 150 political scientists across 31 European countries has revealed a dramatic rise in support for far-right political parties, with nearly one in four voters now backing such movements.

The study, led by political scientist Matthijs Rooduijn of the University of Amsterdam as part of the PopuList project, found that support for far-right parties has increased significantly over the past three decades. According to the analysis, more than 23% of Europeans voted for far-right parties in their most recent national elections, compared with around 10% a decade ago and just 5% in the mid-1990s.

The findings also show that almost 30% of European voters now support anti-establishment or populist parties, marking the highest level recorded by the project.

Researchers noted that the strongest growth in far-right support occurred between 2023 and 2025, a period that saw major electoral gains in several of Europe’s largest countries. In France, the National Rally expanded its support dramatically, becoming the largest single party in parliament. Austria’s Freedom Party also achieved a significant breakthrough, while Portugal’s Chega nearly tripled its vote share.

The trend continued in Germany, where the Alternative for Germany (AfD) doubled its electoral support and emerged as the country’s second-largest political force for the first time.

In the United Kingdom, Reform UK experienced a substantial increase in voter support compared with previous elections, highlighting a broader shift in political preferences across the continent.

Far-right parties now play a role in governing coalitions in several European countries, including Italy, Finland, Croatia, and Czechia. In addition, similar movements are currently leading opinion polls in a number of major nations, including France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, and the UK.

While some far-right parties have recently faced setbacks, such as electoral losses in the Netherlands and Hungary, researchers emphasize that the overall trend remains upward. According to experts involved in the study, the rise of the far right has been developing gradually for decades but has accelerated noticeably in recent years.

Political analysts point to several factors behind the growth. Public concerns over issues such as immigration have become increasingly influential in voting decisions, while far-right parties have become more accepted within mainstream political discourse. Experts also argue that these parties have proven highly effective at communicating simple and emotionally resonant messages that appeal to voters.

The findings suggest that far-right and populist movements are becoming an increasingly significant force in European politics, reshaping electoral landscapes and influencing political debate across the continent.