Parties and Elections

Abstract

This panel investigates the demand for political parties in an era of changing societal cleavages and crisis of political representation. The panel examines what drives citizens to opt for anti-establishment and populist parties of both the right and the left through a focus on voters’ perception of risk, as well as sincere and protest voting. It also analyses the varying support for mainstream parties across Europe, and the reasons behind voters’ declining turnout. The panel combines case studies and comparative perspectives from various European democracies. The findings contribute to our understanding of the changing electoral landscape in contemporary European politics.