Local parties and satisfaction with democracy

The rise of local parties in European democracies over recent decades represents a significant shift in the political landscape. These parties, operating independently of national political affiliations, prioritize local concerns and distance themselves from national political divides. This trend coincides with declining party identification and increased voter volatility since the mid-1970s, suggesting a growing dissatisfaction with established political parties and their perceived inability to address local needs effectively (Wallman Lundåsen & Erlingsson, 2023). Local parties capitalize on this discontent by positioning themselves as champions of local autonomy and grassroots representation. They promise to prioritize local issues and be more responsive to the needs and preferences of local communities. This resonates with voters who feel disenfranchised by national-level politics and seek greater control over local decision-making. While some research suggests that local party voters tend to hold populist attitudes and distrust local political leadership (Angenendt, 2018; Jankowski et al., 2024; Wallman Lundåsen & Erlingsson, 2023), the impact of local parties on overall satisfaction with local democracy remains unclear. This study addresses this gap by investigating the following research question: Does the involvement of local parties in local governance influence citizen satisfaction with local democracy? Specifically, the study examines the link between the presence and influence of local parties in municipal governance and citizens' perceptions of the democratic process within their municipalities. To address this question, the study employs a large-scale, repeated cross-sectional survey design, gathering data from residents in approximately 140 municipalities across Sweden. Data was collected annually from 2021 to 2024, resulting in over 60,000 observations each year. This longitudinal data allows for a comparison of resident satisfaction levels with local democracy over time, including periods before and after local elections. By analyzing these trends, the study aims to shed light on whether the rise of local parties enhances or diminishes citizen satisfaction with democracy at the local level. References Angenendt, M. (2018). Anti-partyism in German independent local lists: empirical insights from a membership study. German Politics, 27(3), 401-423. Jankowski, M., Juen, C. M., & Tepe, M. (2024). Voting against parties: populist attitudes, party supply, and support for non-partisan actors. Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties, 34(4), 746-769. Wallman Lundåsen, S., & Erlingsson, G. Ó. (2023). The local party voter: A localist anti-establishment voter?. Electoral Studies, 82, 102592.